NBA veteran Josh Smith still haven't sign to any team. He might find a new home in Cleveland Cavaliers to replace the void created by Timofey Mozgov, who signed a lucrative four-year $64 million dollar deal.
Smith is the 17th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in 2004 NBA Draft class. He went on to win the NBA Slam Dunk contest during his first year in the league and was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He had a great career in a Hawks uniform as he become a vital part in the team's several playoff runs.
But Smith experienced a decline in his career when he left Atlanta to play for several teams. He played for short stints in Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers. With the remaining free agents right now, Josh Smith is ranked as the fourth best player available on the market by Hoops Hype.
With the training camp already started, Smith is desperate in finding an NBA team to play. According to Chatt Sports Net, rumors disclosed that Cleveland Cavaliers is interested in signing Smith as Cavs defend their NBA championship this season. Not only did they know what Smith is capable of. But they also need to fill the void that big man Timofey Mozgov have left.
Mozgov's departure weakened the Cavs inside presence. So the main responsibility now to guard the low post is Tristan Thompson. Although Thompson's skills inside the box is at a very high level, he still needs a good front court partner to back him up.
Josh Smith may not be as big as Mozgov. But his speed and athleticism could make a great impact in helping the Cavs down low. Being a member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010, his defense might be the key reason if the Cavs would sign him. With him and Thompson in the line-up, they could match any small ball line-up, which might become vital in the Cavs' NBA title push.
Can Josh Smith become a Cleveland Cavalier?
