Rockets Interested In Josh Smith If They Can’t Sign Dwight Howard

In this instance, that means the Rockets are crossing their fingers that Dwight Howard will sign to play alongside James Harden. If he doesn’t, they have a backup plan. And that contingency plan’s name is Josh Smith.

Per Peter Vecsey formerly of the New York Post, Houston plans to pursue the Atlanta Hawks’ free-agent-to-be if it can’t steal Superman from the Los Angeles Lakers or he winds up elsewhere.

If Rockets are unable to recruit Dwight Howard, I’m told second preference is Josh Smith. Sixers also targeting Smith, says a source

— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) June 3, 2013

At only 27 and considered an athletic fiend, Smith is hardly a poor-man’s Plan B. The Rockets could use someone with his skill set.

Smith averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks on 46.5 percent shooting this past season, making him just the third player in NBA history to average at least 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and 1.5 blocks per game in the same season.

So much for him not being a superstar, right?

Admittedly, his potential has never been the question. It’s been his attitude. He and the Hawks just weren’t on the same page these last few years and through his first nine seasons, he has yet to make it out of the second round of the playoffs.

I know what you’re thinking: Smith’s been for nine effing years already?!?!? Is Smith really worth a max contract?

Well, he believes he is. Which is no surprise. We’ve yet to witness an NBA player say “No, I’m not worth that much. Give me less.” The Miami Heat’s Big Three are close to an exception, but not quite. Had Miami had the ability to pay each of them more, I doubt they would have refused.

Anyway, Smith would bring both rebounding and defensive prowess to Houston, two things the Rockets need badly. He is also athletic enough to run the break, which is great, because all Houston does is run. That he’s no stranger to manning the power forward position is a bonus. He could assume the stretch forward role that Houston’s starting lineup so desperately needs filled. At least, we think so.

Smith hit on just 30.3 percent of his deep balls this past season and is connecting on just 28.3 percent for his career. For a Rockets team that likes to holster their itchy three-point trigger fingers about as often as Harden shaves, that could be problem. Or you know, he could work on his outside shooting. Or the Rockets could even attempt fewer threes (yeah, that’s not going to happen).

Three-point deficiencies aside, Smith would be a huge asset to Harden and friends. There would be no jostling for leadership positions with Harden at the helm. He’s the superstar; Smith still has to prove himself. The Rockets are Harden’s team.

Before you go scouring the internet for scenarios in which the Rockets can land both Howard and Smith, let me stop you. It’s not going happen. The two are known friends and would likely welcome the opportunity to play together, but the Rockets don’t have that kind of cap space available, nor do they have enough assets necessary it would take to pry one away via a sign-and-trade while inking the other one.

Instead, find solace in knowing the Rockets aren’t placing all their eggs in Howard’s basket. We’ve seen how that turned out for the Orlando Magic and how it could potentially turn out for the Lakers.

Houston wants none of that. If the Rockets can’t have Howard, they’ll simply shrug it off. And then turn their attention toward J-Smoove.