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Houston Rockets: 5 offseason moves to make

By Josh Criswell

Mar 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets mascot Clutch entertains fans before a game against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets mascot Clutch entertains fans before a game against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) shoots a free throw during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) shoots a free throw during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Re-sign Josh Smith

The Rockets got an absolute steal when they signed Josh Smith midseason for just over $2 million. While he will command a much higher salary this offseason, I do not see a team breaking the bank for him (as the Detroit Pistons did when they gave him a four-year deal worth $54 million two years ago).

Smith was an absolute disaster in Detroit, and although he redeemed himself with the Rockets, I can still see teams being scared away by his poor performance with the Pistons. As a result, this could make him a cost-efficient player that Houston could easily make cap room for. Because of Smith’s resurgence, he will still not come cheap, but he is an impact player who proved he’s a good fit with the team.

I still cringe every time Josh Smith launches a mid-range jumper, but his athleticism and talent alone are more than enough reason for the Rockets to consider re-signing him. His stint with the team this year proved that as long as he plays within his abilities, and is not forced to play out of position, he is an extremely valuable asset.

Smith and Rocket general manager Daryl Morey have both expressed mutual interest in him remaining a Houston Rocket in the longterm, so this is a likely deal to happen. Also, aside from Aldridge, he is arguably the most talented player on this list.

The Rockets never got the chance to see how Smith can play with the full roster healthy, something that will be interesting to watch if he comes back. A front court composed of him, Howard, Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas would be one of the best in the league without a doubt. It would also open up the team’s trade possibilities, as Motiejunas and Jones are both talented young players that will be looking for their first big payday next year.

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