Miami Heat Applying For Disabled-Player Exception On Josh McRoberts To Acquire Josh Smith
Josh Smith has gauged interest from several teams including the Rockets, Kings, Mavericks, and Clippers since being waived by the Detroit Pistons yesterday, and the Miami Heat are doing what they can to be in the running for him as well.
Miami have reportedly applied for a disabled-player exception on forward Josh McRoberts, who was ruled out for possibly the season with a right lateral meniscus tear, in order to make a reasonable offer for Smith.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
ESPN sources say Miami Heat have formally applied to league office for a Disabled Player Exception after losing Josh McRoberts
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 23, 2014
Heat have not received DPE yet but hope to have it in their possession before Josh Smith makes his free-agent decision
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 23, 2014
Getting DPE in $2.65 million range after losing McRoberts to knee injury would certainly enable Heat to make competitive bid on Josh Smith
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 23, 2014
If the Heat are granted the disabled-player exception they’d be able to offer Smith at least half of McRoberts’ salary and make an offer above the minimum salary, which is the most the Clippers, Mavericks, or Kings could offer. McRoberts has to be ruled by doctors as “substantially more likely than not” able to play through June 15 in order for Miami to be eligible for the exception.
Adding Smith appears to be something of a priority for Miami, who has battled the injury bug with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade sparingly in the first portion of the season. Smith brings versatility that Erik Spoelstra can put to use on the offensive end. He’s not the floor spacer preferred in the space and pace system, but he can draw attention and find production if Spoelstra positions him correctly.
The impact Smith could have on the Heat defense, which has struggled mightily this season post-LeBron James, is the key draw. His length and athleticism would give the Heat more flexibility and capability on that end of the floor. Frankly, sitting at 13-15 and seventh place in the dismal Eastern Conference, it’s important for the Heat to make themselves available to a double-double player like Smith.
Houston and Dallas are interesting because those teams are considered legitimate competitors to win the conference. Also, Smith has connections with the Rockets’ Dwight Howard, who he played high school ball with, and the Mavericks’ new point guard Rajon Rondo, who Smith played AAU basketball with. We’ll see how Smith’s decision is or isn’t impacted by those factors.
