Josh Smith could be coming to an NBA team near you.
If that team in question has enough cap space and presents an immediate opportunity to win, that is.
Speaking with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, Smith acknowledged that he’s looking forward to free agency and all it has to offer:
He’s been like this from as far back as he can remember. From the days he and Howard starred on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team, to his time sharing the court with Rajon Rondo at Oak Hill Academy, this is the type of basketball he believes in. And it’s the type of situation he’ll be looking for when he hits free agency this summer.
“Winning. That’s all I care about,” Smith said. “I want to have an opportunity to have a legitimate shot at getting a ring. I’ve been successful in high school, AAU, I want to have a legitimate shot at winning a title.”
As much as Smith cares about winning, something tells me he won’t be signing for the veteran’s minimum with the Los Angeles Lakers to chase championships. And why should he? He believes he’s a max contract player and regardless of how we feel, we have to understand he’s definitely one in this upcoming free-agent.
Smith went on to admit that he isn’t closed to the possibility of returning to the Atlanta Hawks either. As a perennial middling team, though, it’s difficult to imagine him going back. Especially with all that’s happened this season. Never say never, though. If Danny Ferry dangles that max contract in front of J-Smoove, I’m inclined to think he’d take it—but only if there’s no greener grass for him to graze in.
Which there just might be.
Smith has plenty of other destinations to consider. A team like the Dallas Mavericks have a history of winning and will have some cash to burn. The Houston Rockets will have plenty of cap and appear headed in the right direction with James Harden. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, among others could get involved as well.
Assuming that winning is a top priority, though, I’d look closely at teams currently in or on the cusp of making the playoffs. Factions like the Mavericks, Rockets and Spurs can all sell Smith on winning and/or promising blueprints. Potential sign-and-trade partners (the Los Angeles Clippers perhaps?) could emerge, too.
We just don’t know.
Smith knows what he’s looking for, though. He wants that max contract, but he wants to win too.
Whichever teams are ready and willing to offer both are the ones we need to keep our eyes on. They’re same ones Smith will be taking seriously this summer.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
