Whatever the reasons why Josh Smith didn't work as a member of the Detroit Pistons, and apparently there were plenty, word of his signing with the Houston Rockets is big stuff.
A team that believes it can win in the NBA's Western Conference picks up a player with significant potential. It adds a quality defender, a complement to center Dwight Howard and a bulwark at power forward, a position the Rockets need to strengthen.
"It's an exciting time for me," Smith told Houston TV station KRIV-Channel 26. "Being able to be reunited with a good friend and one of the best teammates I ever played with, I think we can definitely do something special.
"Playing beside the best two-guard in the game right now in James Harden, what more can you ask for."
Wednesday brought announcement of Smith's decision to sign with the Rockets following his release by the Pistons. It came with word coach Kevin McHale received a three-year contract extension and a week after the team acquired Corey Brewer.
Smith should have plenty of motivation to fulfill his potential. He becomes a free agent after the season and at 29 is young enough to warrant a big deal if he performs well. He likely won't get anything close to the four-year, $54 million contract he signed to join the Pistons.
So here's the picture:
— The Rockets believe they have the coach they need to win an NBA title.
— They believe they have the talent to push ahead of the Western Conference field.
— Having played 23 games without Terrence Jones, the Rockets now have a power forward to handle a defensive assignment against opponents.
Jones, meanwhile, is progressing in rehab from a leg injury. There will be depth at the position for a team that enters Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies at 20-7, one of five Western teams with at least 20 wins.
If Smith works out, and given the Rockets' talent he should, the Rockets will be a force.