Josh Smith to sign with Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have added more depth in their current roster for the 2015-2016 National Basteball Association regular season after acquiring unrestricted free agent Josh Smith. However, when you consider the opportunity costs for Josh Smith, the Clippers, and the Rockets, this deal actually seems quite suboptimal. Smith signed with the Rockets afterward and proved to be a major player off the bench during the team’s playoff run, stepping up in several games with monster performances.

After the signing, Smith issued a statement saying, “Over my pro career I have spent a lot of time in Houston with friends and family”.

Sports Illustrated reports that to the surprise of many, Smith agreed to a veteran’s minimum deal. With Paul and Blake and DeAndre Jordan who miraculously stayed with the team after reaching verbal agreement with Mavericks, the Clippers will be making their final push for longly anticipated championship ring.

Through his career, Smith is putting up over 15 points per game with two blocks 7.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

A couple weeks ago, it did not look like the Los Angeles Clippers were going to have a great offseason.

Though Stephenson had a nightmare year in Charlotte last season, he adds an interesting dynamic to the Clippers.

We can also see the difference in going from the laughable Knicks to playing with LeBron, where both J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert were among the biggest risers in their shot selection. The Lance Stephenson trade was the first and best example, buying low on a once-borderline-All-Star talent for the small price of Hawes and Barnes. He will bring about 18 years of experience to the Clippers and will hold the Clippers together. Free agent Hayes played 29 games last season and was with the Rockets before his playing for the Toronto Raptors.

The Rockets may have solved a long jam in their front court with Smith’s departure.

Smith, an 11-year National Basteball Association veteran, played 55 games for the Rockets last season after the Detroit Pistons waived him in December. With the sharp shooting forward, the Clippers have a bench that should allow them to compete with the likes of Golden State and San Antonio. If the Clippers use Smith as only a backup 4, paired always with exactly one out of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, then the downside is limited. The excuses are over, they are a good enough team to take it all the way.

He may be getting a few more minutes a game and his three-point shot could improve so he can be a legitimate stretch four, but he isn’t the missing piece for Los Angeles to get to the Finals.