Los Angeles Clippers Add Josh Smith

By Connor Aylward
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Updated: July 16, 2015

At approximately 2:02 PM Thursday afternoon, it was reported by Shams Charania that the Los Angeles Clippers added forward depth by way of former slam dunk champion Josh Smith. Smith will be playing for his fourth NBA team in what will be his 12th year in the league. The 29-year-old will also be moving to his third NBA team in two seasons (Pistons, Rockets, Clippers).

After spending his first nine years in the league with the Atlanta Hawks, Josh Smith made a questionable move to the Detroit Pistons on a 4 year $54 million dollar deal. Smith was waived by the Pistons after just two seasons and his contract was given the stretch provision by the team, which allowed them to stretch out the money owed to Smith over a period of time.

Smith signed on to play with the Clippers ironically after being a thorn in the Clippers side for the Houston Rockets, in a pivotal game 6 during last season’s playoff skid which resulted in the Clippers being eliminated. Smith is reported to sign with the Clippers to a veterans minimum deal of $1.5 million over just one season. It is believed Josh Smith agreed to the deal despite it being less money than others offered, due to the previously mentioned stretch provision which has the Pistons paying him $5.4 million annually until 2019.

Josh Smith provides the Clippers great depth off the bench as he will primarily backup Blake Griffin at power forward but is also capable of being a solid Small Forward behind the aging Paul Pierce. Smith, who has received some flack in the past for an inconsistent three-point shot, still adds a scoring punch from all over the court that will undoubtedly help to bolster the formerly known “Tribe called bench” for Los Angeles.

Another great off season addition for Doc Rivers as the Clippers seem primed for a deep playoff run this upcoming season. Go Clips Go!

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