Fansided

Josh Smith rumors: Charlotte Hornets unlikely to trade for Smith

By Andrew Melnick

Mar 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Josh Smith (6) drives to the hoop against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Josh Smith (6) drives to the hoop against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

There has been a lot of speculation the Detroit Pistons could try to deal forward Josh Smith. They reportedly talked to the Sacramento Kings about a potential deal and most wouldn’t be surprised if Smith was eventually dealt, provided a team is willing to take on the three years and $40.5 million left on his contract.

More from Charlotte Hornets

Another team who is reportedly interested in Smith is the Charlotte Hornets. However, Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors does not see the Hornets acquiring Smith.

"Are there any confirm reports about Josh Smith going to the Hornets?Nope. Again, I think Smith becomes increasingly more valuable to Detroit as Greg Monroe’s future there remains blurry."

Taking a risk on Smith could make sense for the Hornets. Although they signed former Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz big man Al Jefferson last summer and convinced Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson to join them this season, it is hard for them to attract top notch talent. Although Smith has been plagued by inconsistency and poor decisions on the court, he is obviously a very talented athlete.

Smith averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, 26.4% from three and 53.2% from the charity stripe last season. In his 10-year NBA career (he spent his first nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, who selected him with the 17th-overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft), he has averaged 15.5 point, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45.9% from the floor, 27.9% from three and 64.3% from the charity stripe.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

Home/Charlotte Hornets