When the Houston Rockets acquired forward Josh Smith after he was cut by the Detroit Pistons, many questioned the decision.
Houston was already one of the best teams in a loaded Western Conference, and Smith was viewed as the biggest reasons for Detroit's struggles. That proved to be more evident as the Pistons won their first seven games without Smith - more than they had all season to that point - but Smith isn't letting his old team's newfound success get to him.
He called his opportunity with the Rockets a "new beginning," and is feeling much more confident on the court now that he's been able to adjust.
"It was very, very crazy," he said of his first few days in Houston. "It was the first time in my career it happened and having to move everything and get myself acclimated to the team was an adventure, but it was also kind of nerve wracking. But everything is starting to smooth itself out."
Coach Kevin McHale is pleased that the Rockets were able to add a player of Smith's caliber to the team. Playing alongside stars Dwight Howard and NBA leading-scorer James Harden, Smith has graciously accepted the role as sixth man.
"Josh brings an ability to handle the ball, pass the ball. He's a good distributor. He breaks people down off the dribble," McHale said. "So I think Josh is getting a little more comfortable with what we're doing and I think he's going to continue to help us."
"For right now, this is what's having the team so successful," Smith said. "I'm all (for) doing what it takes for us to win. I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Follow our Houston Rockets team page for all the latest Rockets news and rumors!
Back to the Houston Rockets Newsfeed