I think you`re undervalueing his 1on1 defense here a bit. Yeah, he is not an elite 1on1 defender (like let´s say Chuck Hayes), but he gets the job done. He is quick and agile enough to defend "modern" 4s and he is strong enough to defend those bangers in the middle. His offensive game is actually not that bad - it just seems that way because he insists on taking contested jumpers. He has some nice moves in the post he has to work on some more, and he is hustling a lot. Last season he was close to a 20-10 guy with 2 blocks, 4 assists and a steal in there - and playing next to Harden he should be able to reach that level again - if he is coachable. In the offseason the question should be: are you willing to let us change your game? Stop taking contested jump shots, work more on your post game, box out on rebounds - and you will be a star. If he understands that and is willing to work hard he actually would be worth the max. And that "if" is the gamble...
Some players while they may be young age wise...have a lot of miles...and Josh Smith is one of them...Milsap has a solid post game, and would be the ideal fit at the 4 for the Rockets...Time will tell
Maybe Murray will stick to the theme of this team and go with the underutilized, unappreciated, rdy-to-breakout bencher. Who fits that bill the best?
Yeah, but don't forget that he has never had a major injury. Sure, he relies a lot on his athleticism, and that should decline some, so that is a cause for concern... But I actually think, that Smith is a little under appreciated around the league. He has elite talent and is producing at a high rate - but his mistakes and the feeling that he could be much more than he is, is kinda overshadowing how good he actually is. Not elite - and probably not max worthy. But still one if the best at his position with the play of an all star...
