Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Can the Pistons Land Josh Smith?

The Elton Brand signing by the Philadelphia 76ers has opened up an interesting, albeit unlikely, possibility for the Pistons. Philadelphia was rumored to be Atlanta F Josh Smith's most likely destination if he left the Hawks, but the Brand signing makes that impossible. According to MLive's A. Sherrod Blakely, the Pistons could be a possible sign-and-trade partner with the Hawks if they decide they want to move Smith.

Smith would be a tremendous addition to the Pistons if they could pull off the deal. He will be only 23 years old next season, and last year averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He is one of the league's premier athletes, winning the NBA Dunk Contest in 2005. Detroit would have to give up Tayshaun Prince in the deal, and the salary they would give Smith would be lower than what he was looking to sign for with the Sixers. Blakely readily admits that this deal is unlikely to occur, but stranger things have happened.

If Detroit can somehow pull off a trade, they would be getting one of the most exciting players in the league. Smith can get to the basket on offense, is a excellent defender and one of the league's best shot blockers (he was second in the NBA last season). He would also provide the Pistons with plenty of highlight-worthy material:



Count me in as someone who wants to see this happen.

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