Miami Heat Rumors: Josh Smith Could Land in South Beach
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Getty Images
With roughly a third of the NBA season in the books, the Miami Heat looks to be grinding to a .500 record. After a 3-0 start, reality set in and injuries decimated the roster, leaving Miami at 13-15. Still in the thick of the playoff race, the Heat need to strengthen its frontcourt and the answer just graced the headlines across the basketball universe.
The Detroit Pistons just waived forward Josh Smith with two years and roughly $26 million left on his contract. Once he passes waivers, Smith will become a free agent and you better believe he will not be on the market long. He is averaging 13.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 4.7 APG, and while Detroit is looking to go in a different direction, Miami could really use the addition of Smith.
The Heat, much like previous seasons, continues to struggle on the inside and rank dead last in rebounds. Chris Bosh is currently out with an injury and Josh McRoberts will miss the rest of the season with a torn meniscus. Smith would be a great fit and would really help improve the team thanks to his ability to rebound and defend.
The McRoberts injury was a big blow to a team that had signed the power forward to make an impact. However, Smith being waived is like a blessing from the heavens, as long as Pat Riley can land him. Smith can hold down the paint and defend inside, but he can also step outside. His mix of inside-out play and defense makes him a solid all-around player and someone who would greatly benefit Miami.
There are already some beliefs that if the Heat can land Smith, they will become a possible top-four team in the East. As long as players like Dwyane Wade and Bosh can stay healthy, Smith could make Miami a competitor for other East teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
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