Josh Smith is one of the most effective inside defenders of all NBA. He could open the court in offence since the PF, great for Yao. I like Scola, but Smith is a very complete player. Maybe Morey is asking for him.
you would have to at least consider this trade. I would think we would have to throw in Scola or either Greene/Dorsey as well... but something definitely interesting to think about.
Josh Smith can't play the 3 and is and undersized 4 with poor shooting decisions who want superstar money. No thanks.
It's IMPOSSIBLE for Atlanta to even consider a S&T w/ Josh Smith to Houston unless either TMAC or YAO is involved. And frankly, I doubt the Hawks would even want T-Mac for Josh Smith, considering his age and injury liabilities. Scola/Landry + Battier for a 22-year-old Josh Smith? Dream on. Add Brooks in there all you want, but his value is about the same as the day he was drafted: He was a bottom first-rounder, and he is still only worth a late first-round pick right now. Time to get real folks. Players with Josh Smith's caliber won't be given to us for peanuts (a relative term, of course, I mean no disrespect to Scola or Battier, but Landry and AB are still scrubs RIGHT NOW).
Thanks to League Pass and one of my roommates abnormal fascination with the Atlanta Hawks I got to watch more of Josh Smith this past season that I had ever hoped. The best comparision as far at chemistry and how he would fit in would be Ron Artest. Based purely on a basketball standpoint, it would be a great fit. But shot selection and attitude problems may play a role as well. I'm figuring we trade Battier and Scola or Landry plus fillers and or picks to land him. That would not be a huge loss, but it would be a gamble. However, I'm guessing everyone that thinks we should do this trade is figuring the team we have right now, even if they are healthy isn't enough. By trading Battier you would be losing one of the smartest players in the game, and replacing him with almost the complete opposite.. an athletic wing who plays the game with his skills and abilities rather than his basketball IQ. If Morey and Co. agree that we do not have what it takes next year, if healthy.. than they should pull the trigger. With Smith you are getting a young player who will lose you a few games with boneheaded moves, but he will also win you a handful of games (5-10) with his amazing talent. Battier on the other hand, is a consistant player, that will neither win or lose games for you. It's a tough call, but I'd do it.
I'm thinking it would have to be something like this: Rockets get: Josh Smith $10-$12M per Speedy Claxton $6M per Hawks get: Shane Battier $6.5M per Bobby Jackson $7M per Luther Head $2M per Aaron Brooks $1M per (maybe throw in a draft pick)
A player like Donte Greene will be a great trade chip in scenarios like this. He's the new Rudy Gay. If he exceeds expectations this season, awesome. If not, he still has a high ceiling teams go gaga for when dumping immediate contributors and focusing on the future. I couldn't let go of Scola and other significant players for him. Scola is a guy to hang on to for what kind of player he represents to a fan base, besides just his stats. Very easy to cheer for. His Deke impression was so so funny.
