As far as big names are concerned, Josh Smith is considered the best available on the NBA free agent market. After a disaster stint with the Detroit Pistons and a successful run with the Houston Rockets, Smith was expected to be in high demand this offseason as a free agent. However, he has gotten lost in the shuffle and might now be forced into accepting a smaller contract than he originally planned on. With Smith waiting on interest, where is he likely to land before the season starts?
Tim Faklis as Sporting News points out that Smith's flaws are outweighing his strong points. Smith is versatile while having several shots in his arsenal. His size helps his ability to defend while his athletic ability always shines on the court. However, his decision-making with shot selection is poor and he is a career 28.5 percent 3-point shooter. Smith is being remembered more from what he failed to do in Detroit than how he excelled in Houston.
Regardless, there are teams eyeing Smith with a deal, just not a big one. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Smith is in talks with several teams and weighing his options. The Houston Chronicle reported that Smith was offered a contract just higher than a veteran's minimum to return to the Rockets. He certainly had the most success with Houston and could find plenty of playing time off their bench if he returns.
The Los Angeles Clippers are also in talks with Smith. According to the Los Angeles Times, Smith would be hard-pressed to find playing time on the crowded bench for the Clippers considering they signed Lance Stephenson and Wesley Johnson to contracts. Smith might have a great shot at winning a title, but the chances he sees the court as much as he wants are slim. That could push him to a team like Sacramento. Rudy Gay reported on his Snapchat that Smith was going to be a King this offseason, but so far not contract talks have been reported. The Kings do have Smith's good friend Rajon Rondo on the roster.
The New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks are new to the Smith race. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks might aim to get some versatility on the bench for the team as they have three open roster spots to fill. That would take the pressure off Carmelo Anthony. The Mavericks are eyeing the same thing with Dirk Nowitzki. After missing on DeAndre Jordan, the team has money to spend and could offer Smith a better contract than other teams.
