In what looked like a disastrous start to the offseason for the Los Angeles Clippers, the tide has quickly turned and suddenly they are labeled title contenders again.
The Clippers were on the verge of losing their starting center DeAndre Jordan to the Dallas Mavericks, and many believed they were going to be a low tier playoff team without him despite landing Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson.
But Jordan had a change of heart and decided to spurn the Mavericks to re-sign with the Clippers. Order was restored, and the Clippers looked like contenders again except they lacked bench depth.
Over the last few days they have worked on their second unit by re-signing Austin Rivers and signing Wesley Johnson and big man Cole Aldrich. Now, according to multiple reports, they have made another splash in free agency by reaching an agreement with Josh Smith, further solidifying their roster.
Smith’s deal will be for one year, worth the veteran’s minimum of $1.5 million, per Brad Turner of LA Times. He reportedly had bigger offers from other teams but wanted to play a "defined role" on a championship contending team.
Smith, 29, is a versatile power forward who has the ability to defend, ball handle, pass, and shoot from outside. He will be a solid addition to a Clippers bench that already contains multiple versatile and flexible players.
Smith struggled to play well as a member of the Detroit Pistons, as he was inefficient and nearly ineffective. This propelled the Pistons to waive him, which he ultimately landed a deal with the Houston Rockets upon becoming a free agent.
As a member of the Rockets, Smith accepted a bench role and swiftly rejuvenated his career. In 55 games, he averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks, playing just 25.5 minutes per game.
Smith completely turned heads during the playoffs, as he became a major part to the team’s success and ability to reach the Western Conference Finals. He played a crucial role in helping the Rockets climb back from a 1-3 hole against the Clippers in the semifinals and eventually earned the starting four position over Terrence Jones.
In Los Angeles, Smith figures to play the same role off the bench behind Blake Griffin. Playing alongside Chris Paul, he will have more freedom and open looks, not to mention alley-oop finishes. The Clippers’ up-tempo play will suit Smith really well, making him a terrific fit in the system.
The Clippers are determined to win a championship and signing another quality piece brings them one step closer. They have turned in an outstanding offseason, to say the least. It could have been hectic and stressful, but Jordan’s decision to re-sign made all the difference in Clipper Land.