Washington Wizards Should Consider Signing Josh Smith
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards have struggled defensively during preseason and Ian Mahinmi won’t be there to help. Here’s why they should consider signing Josh Smith.
The Washington Wizards have two games left in preseason and have failed to set the defensive foundation that they wanted to create before the actual games begin.
With the exception of one game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wizards haven’t played defense up to Scott Brooks‘ standards.
Consistently, opposing big men have abused the Wizards inside, putting up Wilt Chamberlain-type numbers in limited action.
On October 4th, Hassan Whiteside scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 23 minutes.
Two days later, Richaun Holmes scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench.
On October 13th, Joel Embiid scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in less than 14 minutes.
And yesterday, DeMarcus Cousins and Willie Cauley-Stein combined to score 34 points in less than 30 minutes.
The interior defense has been virtually nonexistent.
Ian Mahinmi, the team’s best rim protector and highest paid center, is out 4-6 weeks following knee surgery.
Washington was hopeful that Mahinmi would solve the team’s defensive problems, but he’s not around to help.
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Perhaps even more importantly, the Wizards don’t have another player on the roster that can fill that void.
Jason Smith, who’s a competent defender, isn’t intimidating inside.
He’s never been known for protecting the basket.
Right now, he’s the only backup center on the team.
Ernie Grunfeld has looked to free agency and trades to replace injured players in the past.
When Emeka Okafor got hurt in 2013, Grunfeld quickly picked his phone up and completely a trade with the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Marcin Gortat.
Since Gortat – who’s struggled mightily on defense and looks a step slower than he did last year – is still available, Grunfeld likely won’t make such a drastic move. Still, free agency is an option for the Wizards, who have three open roster spots.
At this point, the free agent market has dried up and the players without contracts certainly won’t spark much interest. But, there is one player that might be worth taking a look at.
Josh Smith, who made the All-Defensive Second Team a year before John Wall‘s rookie season, is still unsigned..
Not too long ago, Smith was considered a premier player – a versatile forward who could defend three to four positions, pass the ball, block shots and run the floor alongside the guards.
His inability to accept his role, particularly on the offensive side, has hurt his reputation, though.
Smith has become the poster child for why the “long-two” is a bad shot. After shooting over 50 percent from the field in 2010, Smith’s percentage had dipped to below 40 percent in the past two seasons. He’s continued to be unreliable from the perimeter, yet seemingly refuses to accept his changed role.
Now that he’s without a team, Smith has realized that he needs to make adjustments to his game – via Yahoo! Sports.
"“I’m not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made,” Smith told 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.”“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. It has been missing from me. I’m not doubting it. I felt I have always showed support for my teammates, cheering for them, but I have to do a better job."
As Shams Charania noted in his report, Smith will still make over $5 million annually over the next few years after being waived by the Detroit Pistons. Money isn’t an issue for him. All Smith wants is an opportunity to play in the NBA again.
Washington has that opportunity and they don’t have much to lose by giving it to Smith.
Per-36 minutes, Smith averaged 2.7 blocks per game with the Los Angeles Clippers last season. He had a defensive rating (points allowed per 100 positions) of 99 in 32 games with the Clippers. For comparison, Dwight Howard has the 18th best defensive rating in league history. His rating is 99.
The Wizards want to regain the elite defensive identity they had under Randy Wittman for three straight seasons, but that won’t happen if they continue to play defense the way they’ve been playing in preseason.
It might be more of a personnel issue than an effort issue. The players on the roster just aren’t known for their ability to get stops. Looking elsewhere, like free agency, might solve some of the Washington Wizards’ problems on that end, at least temporarily.
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Smith would probably consider taking the veteran’s minimum. It’s a low-risk, high-reward idea. He’s never going to be a threat offensively, at least from the perimeter, but he’s proven to be an excellent defender. Washington should at least consider adding him to the roster. What do they have to lose, after all?