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Josh Smith to play for Los Angeles Clippers
Josh Smith has agreed to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN and multiple reports.
ESPN's Chris Broussard reports it is a one-year deal. A source told Broussard that Smith "chose winning and a defined role over money."
Smith played 55 games for the Houston Rockets last season after he was waived by the Detroit Pistons in December.
"Over my pro career I have spent a lot of time in Houston with friends and family. Over the past year, while with the Rockets, the team, fans and people of Houston have made it a second home," Smith said in a statement. "I want to express my appreciation to everyone for the support and kindness they have showed me and my family while I have been here. Thank you!"
Dwight Howard recruited Smith, his childhood friend, to sign with Houston after he was released, and it turned out to be a solid move.
Smith scored in double digits in 35 of 48 games where he came off the bench, with four 20-point games during the regular season. His impact was even greater in the Western Conference semifinals. Down 3-1 in the series against the Clippers, coach Kevin McHale inserted Smith into the starting lineup for Game 5 and the Rockets rallied to win the series. In a do-or-die Game 6 in L.A., Smith and Corey Brewer combined to score 29 fourth-quarter points as the Rockets responded from a 19-point second-half deficit to win.
While some teams didn't want Smith to shoot from 3-point range, the Rockets encouraged him to because it fit within the structure of their offense. Smith had said he enjoyed playing for McHale because the offense allowed him to display an individuality that wasn't possible in Detroit's system. The Rockets also liked Smith's ability to rebound as a power forward and his passing from the post.
Smith, 29, had previously said he wanted to return to the Rockets, expressing his desire to play for McHale and with Howard.
In an 11-year career with the Atlanta Hawks, Pistons and Rockets, Smith has averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2 blocks and 1.3 steals in 33.6 minutes per game.
ESPN's Chris Broussard reports it is a one-year deal. A source told Broussard that Smith "chose winning and a defined role over money."
Smith played 55 games for the Houston Rockets last season after he was waived by the Detroit Pistons in December.
"Over my pro career I have spent a lot of time in Houston with friends and family. Over the past year, while with the Rockets, the team, fans and people of Houston have made it a second home," Smith said in a statement. "I want to express my appreciation to everyone for the support and kindness they have showed me and my family while I have been here. Thank you!"
Dwight Howard recruited Smith, his childhood friend, to sign with Houston after he was released, and it turned out to be a solid move.
Smith scored in double digits in 35 of 48 games where he came off the bench, with four 20-point games during the regular season. His impact was even greater in the Western Conference semifinals. Down 3-1 in the series against the Clippers, coach Kevin McHale inserted Smith into the starting lineup for Game 5 and the Rockets rallied to win the series. In a do-or-die Game 6 in L.A., Smith and Corey Brewer combined to score 29 fourth-quarter points as the Rockets responded from a 19-point second-half deficit to win.
While some teams didn't want Smith to shoot from 3-point range, the Rockets encouraged him to because it fit within the structure of their offense. Smith had said he enjoyed playing for McHale because the offense allowed him to display an individuality that wasn't possible in Detroit's system. The Rockets also liked Smith's ability to rebound as a power forward and his passing from the post.
Smith, 29, had previously said he wanted to return to the Rockets, expressing his desire to play for McHale and with Howard.
In an 11-year career with the Atlanta Hawks, Pistons and Rockets, Smith has averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2 blocks and 1.3 steals in 33.6 minutes per game.