Rockets: Houston has been a place for players to revive their careers

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Josh Smith #5 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The last example would be Dwight Howard’s former AAU teammate and one of his best friends, Josh Smith. The 6’9″ Forward enjoyed a successful career with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-2013. He averaged 15 PPG, 8 RPG on 46% shooting and also was an impact on the defense displaying it by averaging about 2 BPG and earning a spot on the NBA-Defensive Second Team in 2010.

Smith took the next step in his career by joining the Pistons in 2013 after agreeing on a 4 year $54 million dollar contract. He became the team’s focal point after leading the Pistons that year in scoring. The next year, Smith’s tenure with Detroit ended rather abruptly after averaging a career low of 39% shooting. Luckily, he was able to join Houston and found a meaningful role due to injuries at the PF position for the team.

Time in Houston

Smith’s two most memorable moments with the team occurred during the playoffs. In Game 2 of the first round, the Rockets found themselves in a competitive game with the Mavericks who were trading buckets through the majority of the game. In the 4th quarter, Smith changed the outcome by putting on one of the most entertaining and electrifying performances Rockets fans have seen in quite some time.

Whether it was being a facilitator (who remembers the lob fest to Dwight Howard? I know right, good times), scoring on Nowitzki or playing stellar defense, Josh changed the game completely by burying the Mavs and helping the team take a 2-0 lead. The Rockets went on to finish them in five games and Smith was not done yet after this….

In the Semifinals, the Rockets faced a hungry Clippers team who just finished off the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs, in a thrilling seven game series. Through 4 games, Clippers owned the Rockets leaving fans in a state of despair after taking a 3-1 lead. However, the Rockets were able to force a game 6 that took place in Staples Center.

The season looked like it was over for Houston as they found themselves down big in the 3rd quarter. However, the team was able to avoid a blowout similar to what had occurred in games 3 & 4 by trimming the deficit to 13 before starting the 4th quarter.

With James Harden on the bench, Josh Smith helped orchestrate one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history after the Rockets outscored the Clippers by 25 and forced a game 7 in Houston in which they won. Smith was amazing as he finished with 19 points on 56% shooting while going 4 for 7 from behind the arc. The Rockets were a +11 with Smith on the floor and scored 1.6 pts per possession and was the second best player on defense after Dwight by allowing only 101 points per 100 possessions.

Smith’s last meaningful NBA season was that year with Houston but he finished that season strong after a lackluster performance with the Pistons earlier. The Rockets now have a chance to replicate that same success with Carmelo Anthony joining the roster this season.

Next. Capela at No. 9 in 25 under 25

Perhaps when the 2018-2019 season wraps up, Anthony might find himself as the fourth Rocket on this list, hopefully.

#3) Josh Smith (2014-2015 Season)

Time in Houston