Josh Smith. AP FILE PHOTO
Big-name free agents have made their way to new teams this off season, but a familiar one, Josh Smith, remains without a contract with October just around the corner.
The tough predicament marks an unprecedented fall from grace for Smith, who was one of the most sought-after free agents on the market three seasons ago—where he eventually cashed in a $54-million contract with the Detroit Pistons.
Since then, the 30-year-old forward has been plagued by inconsistencies throughout his career and has changed teams three times in the past two seasons.
Despite the sudden twist of fate, the former lottery pick believes he still has something to offer NBA teams and even acknowledged some of his mistakes.
“I’m not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made,” he said in a report by The Vertical.
“It’s something that I have done wrong to now be figuring out my next move and figuring out what I need to do to be better. Even yoga this summer has helped me become one with my spirit, body and mind. I’ve done things to take steps toward bettering myself, having patience,” he added.
“J-Smoove” started out hot for the Hawks during his first nine years in the league, but his poor shot selection, along with his declining shooting percentage, paved the way for his exit from the team. His lone season with the Pistons ended in disaster, as he never really found a way to co-exist with the team’s front court bruisers, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe.
He managed to attain a small career resurgence during his first tenure with the Houston Rockets, contributing heavily to the team’s playoff run in 2015, where they pulled off an upset against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round.
Smith signed with the Clips the following year and was expected to boost their bench. However, he showed the opposite, shooting just 38.3 percent from the field, and tossed 41 turnovers during his limited minutes on the floor.
Even a reunion with the Rockets mid-season could not stop his decline and he was eventually let go by the team.
Still, Smith believes he’s still a valuable commodity to any team who’ll be willing to give him another shot.
“I have a lot left to give to this game. I’m ready to go now. I feel like I’m in the best shape, and I’ve worked extremely hard this off season. I’m ready,” he said.
“I’m not a guy who feels like I have to start or play 30 minutes a night anymore. I wish for an opportunity to be able to contribute, to be a positive guy around the locker room,” Smith said in the report. Khristian Ibarrola