After failing to draw interest from the NBA teams and eventually losing the contract this off-season, 12-year league veteran Josh Smith is reportedly heading overseas to play in China. He has signed a three-month $1.5 million deal to play for the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association.
According to David Pick, by signing the contract, Smith still hopes of securing an NBA team when his contract is over. Apparently, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has become the primary destination for many former NBA stars.
Starring Role along with the Former NBA Journeyman
Josh Smith who spent his last season with Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets is expected to take a starring role with the team of the former NBA journeyman, Mike Harris. The 30-year-old forward was always a borderline All-Star as well as a versatile scorer and defender.
Smith primarily came off the bench in both teams and average 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16 minutes in the last season. The averages, rebounds, and assists including the 36.4 field-goal percentage were the reason why NBA teams refused to give him a shot at making it to their roster.
Josh Smith is still earning from his contract with the Pistons. Now, he is getting paid to play for three months in China. However, Smith clarified that money was not the reason behind for signing the contract. According to him, the game was a sort of audition for the 30 NBA teams.
The league veteran still possesses skills and athleticism, and if he can thrive and prove himself within the three months contract in China, it is possible for him to find an NBA team that is willing to sign him up when he is already available
