Los Angeles Clippers power forward Josh Smith (R) boxes out Denver Nuggets' JJ Hickson during a rebound battle. (Photo : Getty Images)
Josh Smith is at the center of NBA Trade rumors again.
The power forward was expected to take the starting nod, or at least play more minutes following Blake Griffin's injury. However, Coach Doc Rivers seems to have other plans as Clipperholics points out.
"Even when looking past the starting spot, with one less forward, there should only be more opportunity for Smith to get in the game," Clipperholics stated. "Yet, over the last week or so, this hasn't come close to happening for Smith as Doc Rivers continues to favor others."
Smith was signed by the Clippers when the Houston Rockets decided not to keep him despite being an important cog for the Rockets when they eliminated this same Clippers team in the playoffs last season.
While observers still believe that he has actual talent, his decision making has been questionable, specifically his shot selection. Coach Rivers was asked about this in the OC Register.
"Rivers wouldn't address Josh Smith's benching in detail, saying it partly had to do with Smith's shot selection. 'I'm not going to get into everything, but that's part of it.'"
It seems like Smith may be relegated to Rivers "doghouse" as even Blake's injury could not buy him any playing time. Clipperholics noted that Rivers went to his old ward Paul Pierce in the victory over the Washington Wizards.
What's even more surprising is that Rivers chose to tap Branden Dawson-who played for the first time in the season, while not using Smith at all.
Rivers may be actively shopping the Josh Smith, but he may not have any takers yet.
