Houston Rockets 102, Milwaukee Bucks 98: The prodigal son returns

Josh Smith is home. The Houston Rockets trades for Josh Smith and set him loose on the Milwaukee Bucks on the same day, a feat as unexpected as it was joyous. Smoove helped the city of Houston celebrate by contributing defense and passing on the way to a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. It wasn’t the prettiest win, and the defense still needs work, and the Rockets still cant grab a rebound, but there were open shots to miss, and passes made to find them. For once, the Houston Rockets looked like they were glad to be there.

The Bucks are bad and the Rockets are talented enough that they won despite some defensive breakdowns, poor defensive rebounding, and more frustrating layup misses. The lead was around ten digits all game, but the Bucks capitalized late and made it close in the last two minutes. Khris Middleton would be better than people think if anyone ever thought of him, Greg Monroe is starting to comprehend what defense is, and Giannis Antentokounmpo is a crafty, spidery man. James Harden’s line was an impressive 30 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and only 2 turnovers.

Okay, so that’s what happened in the game. Now let’s get down to business.

Josh Smith. Is back. In Houston. We could talk about his shooting woes (1-10 for 2 points is pretty yikes). We could talk about how he’s never really been as good as teams would like (that Pistons run… yikes). We could even talk about how grim it is that getting back Josh Smith is a beacon of hope this season (this year has been double yikes). Maybe we’ll talk about that later. Not today, though. Today we welcome this prodigal son with open arms and have a feast in his honor. Everything may fall apart tomorrow, but for today the Rockets have a reason to celebrate.

Josh Smith left in the summer as a free agent, seeking a larger and more defined role with the Los Angeles Clippers. This was a completely reasonable decision, given that the Houston Rockets were reportedly open with the fact that his role in Houston was vague and probably limited. However, over the first two months of the season, Smith’s role on the Clippers grew smaller and smaller until coach and president of basketball operations Glenn “Doc” Rivers saw fit to trade Smith back to Houston.

The Rockets sent the Clippers the draft rights to Maarty Leunen. The Clippers sent Josh Smith, the draft rights to Sergei Lishouk and cash considerations reportedly to cover Smith’s remaining salary this season. Since Smith is on a minimum deal, the Rockets did not have to send back any salary.

If you put this trade into ESPN’s trade machine, it should rate the wins gained as “+5 happiness.” Everything from the Rockets organization, players, and Smith himself is unexpectedly heartwarming. Watching Josh Smith and his teammates beam about his return has been the highlight of the season. He’s said “I’m happy to be here” about a thousand times today, and it just might be true. This is all intangibles and “chemistry” and fluff stuff, but in this year, with this season, the Rockets need that most of all. Smith might not be successful elsewhere, but he’s found a home in Houston. Nobody begrudges his departure now that he’s returned.

He’s back and the team might be whole again.

He’s also pretty good at basketball, as it turns out. He might not be amazing at shooting the ball, but he did pick up 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks in 21 minutes. Those are exactly the kinds of numbers the Rockets need someone to put up. He has an amazing eye and can pass out of the paint, something which has been sorely lacking. He might shoot the Rockets out of games sometimes, but he’ll also bring much needed energy, effort and enthusiasm. This is good for the team on every level.

We’ll get into the worry and hand-wringing later. There will be plenty. Today, tonight? Daryl Morey and the Rockets front office hired a chartered jet just to get Josh Smith home as soon as possible. That’s how much this veteran minimum bench player means to this team. Today is a time to smile for once, something the Rockets and their fans badly need.

Welcome home, Josh.






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