Detroit Bad Boys - The Trade Josh Smith Advent CalendarA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2013-12-09T14:12:20-05:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/stream/49444532013-12-09T14:12:20-05:002013-12-09T14:12:20-05:00Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar: Kings
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Kings new ownership showed this weekend that they are willing to add salary for talent and name recognition. Well, since you're in the market...</p> <p>The holidays are fast approaching, and it seems as if the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a>' four-year, $53 million signing of <span>Josh Smith</span> was a preemptive lump of coal in their stockings. But with 16 days left until Christmas, Detroit Bad Boys would like to celebrate with day 5 of the <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</a>.</p>
<p>This doesn't mean we expect Josh Smith to be traded or benched anytime soon. It's just an exploration of possible deals with the various teams of the NBA if the Pistons decide the "big three" experiment just won't work. Consider it a little advanced recon.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">
<h2>Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24549259/smith_advent_calendar.0_standard_709.0.jpg"></a>Check out every entry of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Today's trade features the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a>. Sacramento sends: <span>Marcus Thornton</span> <span>Jimmer Fredette</span> <br> Detroit sends:<br> Josh Smith</p>
<h4>Why the Kings do it</h4>
<p>For the same reason they traded for Rudy Gay. They want talent now and they're not afraid to take on salary to get it. It's really not that bad of a strategy - it seems to be working for the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a>. And with young players at key positions, there's room to round out the roster with high-salary veterans. Also as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/9/5191354/rudy-gay-trade-kings-raptors-grizzlies-hook">Tom Ziller pointed out</a>, they may be looking at some additional factors to get an optimistic outlook on Gay - one that would similarly apply to Smith.</p>
<p>Additionally, their roster is still in flux. SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2013/12/8/5190352/rudy-gay-trade-kings-lineups-isaiah-thomas-depth-chart">Sactown Royalty takes a look at the rotation</a>, and there are more questions than answers. But both Thornton and Jimmer look thoroughly expendable, and there's no ideal solution at power forward. A frontcourt of Gay, Smith, and Cousins with <span>Jason Thompson</span> and <span>Derrick Williams</span> rounding out the depth just might be very attractive.</p>
<p>They might be concerned about the depth behind Thomas and McLemore. Well, the Pistons' roster is filled to the brim as it is. Fredette would likely be waived after the trade, allowing him to eventually make his way back to the Kings. Another possibility would be expanding the deal to include <span>Will Bynum</span> and <span>Travis Outlaw</span>.</p>
<h4>Why the Pistons do it</h4>
<p>It's time for this year's edition of the Annual Rodney Stuckey Injury Extravaganza! That was a fun run Rodney, but we all know how the story goes from here.</p>
<p>It's unsure how much time Stuckey will miss or how it will impact his play upon return, but some insurance would be helpful. It was clear in Sunday's loss to the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> just now reliant the team's offense is on Stuckey's presence this year.</p>
<p>Both Thornton and Jimmer offer reliable, efficient shooters who can also help at point guard in a pinch. With Stuckey on the shelf and expiring at the end of the year, it wouldn't hurt to get a look at other options for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's future backup.</p>
<p>Oh, they'll also save around $35 million.</p>
<h4>Grade the Trade</h4>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/9/5192578/detroit-pistons-sacramento-kings-trade-josh-smith-rudy-gay-marcus-thornton-jimmerSteve Hinson2013-12-08T12:25:33-05:002013-12-08T12:25:33-05:00Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar: Warriors
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Trading Smith for David Lee would give the Pistons an elite perimeter shooter and give the Warriors some added defense, toughness and athleticism. </p> <p>The holidays are fast approaching, and it seems as if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>' four-year, $53 million signing of <span>Josh Smith</span> was a preemptive lump of coal in their stockings. But with 17 days left until Christmas, Detroit Bad Boys would like to celebrate with day 4 of the <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</a>.</p>
<p>This doesn't mean we expect Josh Smith to be traded or benched anytime soon. It's just an exploration of possible deals with the various teams of the NBA if the Pistons decide the "big three" experiment just won't work. Consider it a little advanced recon.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">
<h2>Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24549259/smith_advent_calendar.0_standard_709.0.jpg"></a> <span>Check out every entry of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</span>
</div>
<p>Today's trade features the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a>.</p>
<h4>The Trade</h4>
<h5>Golden State sends:</h5>
<p><span>David Lee</span><br><span>Toney Douglas</span></p>
<h5>Detroit sends:</h5>
<p>Josh Smith<br><span>Will Bynum</span></p>
<h4>Why the Warriors do it</h4>
<p>Golden State is all in. They're championship window is now. And they have owners with deep pockets that are prepared to spend. They've rewarded <span>Andrew Bogut</span> with a fat extension, signed <span>Andre Iguodala</span> to a big deal in the offseason, and have given no indication they're not prepared to lock in perimeter stars Steph Curry and <span>Klay Thompson</span> when the time comes.</p>
<p>Lee is also on a fat contract (two years after this season for $35 million), but comes from an era before all of Golden State's key pieces entered the fold. He's a quality scorer in the post and from mid-range, but is a sub-par defender. The team has plenty of shooters, but only Bogut can reliably defend the post.</p>
<p>The team has a thin bench and has been forced to rely heavily on Jermaine O'Neal off the bench, uses Iguodala as its primary reserve point guard, and has even had <span>Draymond Green</span> play one-third of the time at power forward, according to basketball-reference.</p>
<p>Getting Smith gives the team a better defender at the power forward spot as well as a willing passer to all its perimeter threats and somebody that can get out and run. Smith would also have much less pressure to try and create offense from the perimeter. And with the Warriors so willing to play small-ball lineups, Smith could even spend time at center and really let the Warriors' athleticism put opponents' on their heels.</p>
<p>Bynum, meanwhile, feels like he was made for Oracle Arena. He can do what he does best on a thin bench like Golden State's -- play 15-20 minutes a night, play a little hero ball where initiates all the offense and makes crazy drives or dishes out to the perimeter for open looks. Either way, he's likely to get the Warrior crowd on its feet often, and won't be relied on to do anything but spell Curry.</p>
<h4>Why Detroit does it</h4>
<p>Lee would go from starting for the Warriors to a reserve piece in Detroit. But he would be an excellent reserve complement in a three-big rotation along with <span>Greg Monroe</span> and <span>Andre Drummond</span> in a big-three rotation that makes sense. As has been previously discussed, the current rotation of Monroe, Drummond and Smith might be most effective if one of those players came off the bench. This trade functions the same way, but Lee is an even better fit alongside Drummond and Monroe than Smith.</p>
<p>Lee doesn't have 3-point range, but he's an excellent mid-range jump shooter -- usually sitting around 42-44 percent every year. This matches nicely with both Drummond and Monroe, who could play center when Lee is manning the power forward spot. Â Lee also has the ability to convert around the basket, and should be able to both create and convert for his big-man partner. The Pistons could hash out a rotation where two of three big men are on the floor at all times and not lose much in the way of scoring, rebounding, spacing or flexibility.</p>
<p>Lee's deal is also one year shorter than Smith's, and Toney Douglas' deal expires after this season. Douglas doesn't bring much, but with <span>Brandon Jennings</span>, <span>Chauncey Billups</span> and <span>Rodney Stuckey</span> in the fold, he doesn't really have to. Bynum had become redundant, and Douglas can battle it out with <span>Peyton Siva</span> to earn the right of occasional defensive pest at point guard.</p>
<h4>Grade the Trade</h4>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/8/5188358/trade-proposal-josh-smith-david-lee-josh-smith-advent-calendar-golden-state-warriorsSean Corp2013-12-07T12:01:18-05:002013-12-07T12:01:18-05:00Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar: Houston Rockets
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
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<p>Omer Asik is on the trading block. Should the Pistons be interested?</p> <p>The holidays are fast approaching, and it seems as if the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a>' four-year, $53 million signing of <span>Josh Smith</span> was a preemptive lump of coal in their stockings. But with 18 days left until Christmas, Detroit Bad Boys would like to celebrate with day 2 of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">
<h2>Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24549259/smith_advent_calendar.0_standard_709.0.jpg"></a> <span>Check out every entry of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</span>
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<p>Today's trade features the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a></p>
<h4>The Trade</h4>
<h5>Detroit sends:</h5>
<p>Josh Smith</p>
<h5>Houston sends:</h5>
<p><span>Omer Asik</span><br><span>Ronnie Brewer</span></p>
<h4>Why the Rockets do it</h4>
<p>The Rockets have announced that they intend to trade disgruntled center Omer Asik between Dec. 15 and Dec. 19. This is a short, but key window. Dec. 15 is the first day that players who signed contracts in the offseason can be traded (including Josh Smith). Dec. 19 is the last day an incoming player can go to a new team and still qualify to be traded at this year's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-trade-deadline" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA trade deadline</a>.</p>
<p>The reasons the Rockets are focused on Dec. 19 is that they want to use this trade to gather trade assets in order to make a later trade to make a serious playoff push in the Western Conference. Trading for Josh Smith essentially negates the second step. There were reports Houston was interested in adding Smith in the offseason, and trading Asik for Smith allows the team to have a power forward that can complement <span>Dwight Howard</span>.</p>
<h4>Why the Pistons do it</h4>
<p>Detroit would essentially swap places with the Rockets on this one. They would be receiving Asik with an eye toward trading him at the NBA trade deadline. It's certainly not an easy sell for Detroit. Not starting Asik in the meantime would mean Asik would be a disgrunted presence in the locker room. And trading an ineffective big-three lineup for a big-three featuring a distraction would be a step backward.</p>
<p>The Pistons could, however, do something radical like bring <span>Andre Drummond</span> or <span>Greg Monroe</span> off the bench between now and the trade deadline. Drummond would seem the more likely of the pair to come off the bench. The advantage of having Drummond come off the bench is that his replacement, Omer Asik, is one of the top paint defenders in the NBA.</p>
<p>And Drummond could continue to get big minutes in a three-big rotation, much like if Smith was brought off the bench. Also, Drummond is such an insane athlete that although he is obviously a center in the NBA, he could effectively play power forward along Asik for stretches at a time.</p>
<p>Because Asik's contract is shorter than Smith's, he'd probably also be easier to trade for draft picks or another young asset at the trade deadline. There would be no sense of needing to take on a big multi-year salary in return. A contender, or would-be contender who will be capped out anyway, could send expiring deals and draft picks to Detroit.</p>
<h4>Grade the Trade</h4>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/7/5185432/trade-proposal-josh-smith-omer-asik-trade-josh-smith-advent-calendarSean Corp2013-12-06T08:00:11-05:002013-12-06T08:00:11-05:00Trade Smith for Singler in starting lineup
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<figcaption>Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Not all moves are external. Perhaps the easiest trade the Pistons could make for Josh Smith: Smith for Josh Singler in the starting lineup.</p> <p>The holidays are fast approaching, and it seems as if the Pistons' four-year, $53 million signing of Josh Smith was a preemptive lump of coal in their stockings. But with 19 days left until Christmas, Detroit Bad Boys would like to celebrate with day 2 of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendar">
<h2>Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24549259/smith_advent_calendar.0_standard_709.0.jpg"></a> <span>Check out every entry of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar</span>
</div>
<p><br id="1386296686129"> Today's trade features the starting lineup.</p>
<h3>The Trade:</h3>
<p><span>Kyle Singler</span> to SF<br><span>Josh Smith</span> to first forward off the bench</p>
<h3>Why the Pistons do it:</h3>
<p>This is the quickest and easiest way to at least attempt to address the issue. The critics' concerns about the Josh Smith signing have been validated. The problems are several-fold and are highly unlikely to rectify themselves with more time. They include:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Smith is a poor outside shooter</span></li>
<li><span>Smith is not a strong perimeter defender</span></li>
<li><span>The rebounding ability that Smith offers is devalued playing alongside two other elite rebounders</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Nearing the quarter mark of the season, it's time for coach Mo Cheeks to make a move to at least attempt to salvage Smith's tenure with the Pistons. It's about fit. Up to this point, Smith has been positioned where his talents are minimized and his weaknesses magnified, where failure is the most likely outcome. It's been an attempt to keep him in the starting lineup despite being poorly suited for the role.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The team has made improvements, figuring out some of the growing pains of the revamped roster. It's flirting with .500 after winning five of its last seven and look like legitimate contenders for the three seed in the sad Eastern Conference. In addition to <span>Andre Drummond</span> making his claim for the starting center in the All-Star game, the rest of the rotation has exhibited signs of hope.</p>
<p>Smith remains the lone exception.</p>
<h3>Why Singler does it:</h3>
<p>Singler got the start against the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Hawks</a> in Detroit when Smith was punished for missing practice and exploded for 22 points on 9-13 shooting. Singler looks to have gotten his season back on track with several big games, bringing his true shooting percentage up to 57 percent (compared to 53 percent league average for small forwards). His 3-point shooting is creeping back up, thanks in part to shooting 52.6 percent in the past eight games.</p>
<h3>Why Mo Cheeks does it:</h3>
<p>Now, part of the reason Smith has been taking so many shots is because he really is open. He's just not able to knock them down. Singler can. Singler's actually a small forward. He can keep with opposing wings, tightening up the team's leaky perimeter defense.</p>
<h3>Why Smith does it:</h3>
<p>Moving Singler into the starting lineup frees Cheeks to use Smith in a way that makes sense, one that maximizes his abilities. It's similar to the move of <span>Rodney Stuckey</span> to the second unit, which so effectively revitalized his career. Not having to share the paint with <span>Greg Monroe</span> and Drummond at the same time, Smith will have more opportunities to get to the rim and clean up the glass. Not being shoehorned as a small forward and starter, he can be used as the way <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9466681/josh-smith-signs-54m-4-year-contract-detroit-pistons">Joe Dumars described</a> when he spoke of Smith's versatility and ability to play multiple positions.</p>
<p>It'd allow for his role to change from a destructive offensive force to his best chance at being a benefit to the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>. While Smith may be inclined to say to hell with the Pistons, he will still only be 31 years old at the end of his current contract - time enough for one last long-term contract. Or for an early retirement. This could determine which it will be.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/6/5179790/nba-trade-proposal-josh-smith-kyle-singlerSteve Hinson2013-12-05T11:17:15-05:002013-12-05T11:17:15-05:00Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar: NY Knicks
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<p>A trade a day to brighten your holiday spirits. First up, the New York Knicks.</p> <p>The holidays are fast approaching, and it seems as if the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a>' four-year, $53 million signing of <span>Josh Smith</span> was a preemptive lump of coal in their stockings.</p>
<p>But with 20 days left until Christmas, Detroit Bad Boys would like to celebrate by its inaugural edition of the Trade Josh Smith Advent Calendar. First, a little background.</p>
<p>Modern-day advent calendars are a way to celebrate the coming of Christmas. They used to coincide with the beginning of Advent, but now mostly start on Dec. 1. For each day of the month, a person opens the small window representing that day and unwraps a small gift -- maybe a small toy, maybe a piece of chocolate.</p>
<p>But we dream bigger at Detroit Bad Boys, and here we will unwrap a fresh trade every day. Smith, of course, probably won't be traded, and even if he is he can't be dealt until Dec. 15. Also, all trades will feature just one team. Concocting multi-team trades is just masochism.</p>
<p>Also, while I will attempt to be as fair-minded in my trade for both teams, I might err on the side of seeming to favor the Smith receiver because I am hypersensitive to lopsided, homer trades as a rule. As Maurice Cheeks would say, "Nothing you can do about that."</p>
<p>Today's trade features the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>:</p>
<h4>The Trade</h4>
<h5>Knicks send:</h5>
<p><span>Amare Stoudemire</span><br><span>Iman Shumpert</span><br>Tim Hardaway Jr.</p>
<h5>Pistons send:</h5>
<p>Josh Smith<br><span>Charlie Villanueva</span><br>Jonas Jerebko<br><span>Kyle Singler</span></p>
<h4>Why the Knicks do it</h4>
<p>The New York Knicks are a mess at a time when they can't really afford to be a mess. They have few avenues to improve and need to right the ship to ensure that <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> doesn't bolt in the offseason. The Stoudemire contract has been a medium-scale disaster in New York as he was signed to be a megastar but injuries have extremely limited his effectiveness.</p>
<p>The team has also seemed to sour on Iman Shumpert, who has been in trade rumors most of the season, and it seems to be affecting his play. A change of scenery seems to be in order.</p>
<p>Josh Smith is a big name that can make big plays that gets MSG excited again. The move also allows Smith to shift to power forward, where he is a much better defender. It allows the team to slide <span>Andrea Bargnani</span> into a reserve role or small forward at times where he can shoot perimeter shots all day and have less expectation of defending, rebounding, etc.</p>
<h4>Why the Pistons do it</h4>
<p>Detroit would be trading one mistake for a different, very expensive mistake. Honestly, Stoudemire wouldn't provide much, if anything. So he basically takes the place of both Jerebko and Villanueva. The salary implications mean a little temporary pain for some major financial gain. Stoudemire's $21 million salary essentially eliminates any salary cap flexibility Detroit has in 2014, presuming they pony up for <span>Greg Monroe</span> (they would). But the team would have huge flexibility in 2015 when Amare comes off the books. Depending on the cap outlook in the NBA, the Pistons would be able to invest in a nice complementary piece or two or fit the five-year max that <span>Andre Drummond</span> looks like he will earn.</p>
<p>The team, I would argue, would also improve in the 2013 season, and help solidify its playoff positioning in the weak Eastern Conference. Gone would be Smith and this shot profile:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3678065/Shotchart_1386259161683.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Shotchart_1386259161683_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3678065/Shotchart_1386259161683_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>In his place at starting small forward would be Shumpert, who is a good perimeter defender who might not be an ace perimeter shooter, but he would be a vast improvement over Smith. Shumpert shot 40 percent on 127 attempts last season. He would vastly improve the team's perimeter D, and along with KCP at the shooting guard spot could turn that area into a strength as opposed to a weakness.</p>
<p>Hardaway Jr. is a Michigan grad and the Knicks reigning first-round pick. He's shot quite well during his first season and would represent a legitimate shooting threat off the Pistons' sad sack bench. Bringing Hardaway into the fold would allow <span>Rodney Stuckey</span> to be the reserve point guard who initiates the offense. The move would also open up the log jam at small forward and give both <span>Luigi Datome</span> and Tony Mitchell the chance to get some playing time.</p>
<h4>Grade the Trade</h4>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/12/5/5178230/trade-josh-smith-advent-calendarSean Corp