Josh Smith's days in Detroit came to a shockingly abrupt end Monday as the Pistons waived the inefficient forward with two years left on his deal.
What this means for Smith's fantasy value is impossible to forecast until we know which team he ends up on next; according to ESPN's Marc Stein, NBA front-office sources indicate that the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams that will have interest in Smith when he clears waivers Wednesday.
That list is significant, and here's why: On a team that's set at power forward like the Mavericks and Clippers, Smith will almost certainly have to come off the bench, taking on a lesser role and playing far fewer than the 32 minutes per game he averaged in Detroit this season. In Sacramento, Miami or possibly even Houston, Smith would stand a better chance to step right into the starting lineup. However, there are things to consider for each of those teams as well:
The Kings have shown the most interest in Smith in recent weeks, but they already have two big-time scorers in Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins. Would they really address their power forward needs with a third score-first player like Smith? If so, it would stand to hurt the production of both Gay and Cousins, as well as others like Darren Collison and emerging shooting guard Ben McLemore.
Miami has been decimated by injuries this season, and while Smith could help fill the gaping hole at the 4 spot with Josh McRoberts possibly lost for the season due to a torn meniscus, his lack of efficiency would certainly be a red flag on a team that already has other issues.
The Rockets, meanwhile, could use Smith as a starter or a reserve. Donatas Motiejunas has filled in nicely for Terrence Jones, who remains out with a nerve issue in his leg, but frontcourt depth remains a big problem in Houston. If Smith signs with the Rockets, he might be able to play 30 minutes a night regardless of whether he starts.
As far as Detroit is concerned, shedding Smith and eating part of his bloated contract is certainly a bold move, but one that Pistons coach and team president Stan Van Gundy felt necessary to go forward in a new direction.
"We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players while also expanding the roles of other players in the current rotation to improve performance and build for our future," Van Gundy said. "As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced."
Without Smith and his 14 shot attempts taking up a spot in the starting lineup, look for Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe to log big minutes in the frontcourt and for the team to expand the roles of wing players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jodie Meeks, Kyle Singler and possibly Jonas Jerebko.
If you're looking to pick up any Detroit players today, that's the order in which you should approach the free-agent pool: Caldwell-Pope, Meeks, Singler and Jerebko.
Monday's news of Smith's departure is evidence that Van Gundy is willing to make drastic changes to overhaul this roster, even in the middle of the season, which potentially raises more questions about players like Brandon Jennings and D.J. Augustin. Jennings has underachieved since the trade from Milwaukee to Detroit prior to last season, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that his days as the Pistons starting point guard could be numbered. Augustin or rookie Spencer Dinwiddie would be next in line to assume Jennings' starting job if a change is made.