Rockets GM Morey: 'Josh Smith is one' of free agents team wants back

Josh Smith is re-writing his story.

From borderline All-Star to borderline laughing stock, Smith got new life this season when the Detroit Pistons waived him and ate a substantial amount of money left on his deal. That freed him to sign with the Houston Rockets, a fit that's been a great success so far.

Smith was solid for the Rockets during the regular season, averaging 12 points, six rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks in 25.5 minutes, largely in a reserve role he wasn't accustomed to. As a result of his play, the Rockets were 8.1 points per-100 possessions better with him on the floor after acquiring him.

The two-way versatility that a long 6-foot-9 player who can pass, play the wing or the post and defend multiple positions affords has been paramount on a roster that's suffered injuries at several positions. It's come in handy in taking a 3-0 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks, too, with Smith averaging 14.7 points, six rebounds and 4.7 assists.

It's little surprise, then, that the Rockets would welcome Smith back if the free agent period plays out in such a way.

"We're pretty focused on now," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "But obviously pretty much everyone on this team, we're going to be focused on trying to bring them back. We got quite a few free agents, Josh Smith is one, we're going to address in the offseason.

"We feel if our team can keep executing, we feel like we can keep getting better with the group that we have here."

The Rockets don't stand to have a great deal of cap space this summer, so retaining their core free agents and seeing the group improve together may be their best bet moving forward. Smith may be able to command more than the $2.1 million he made this year, but with the Pistons still footing the bill for his previous contract, he may be willing to sacrifice salary for fit and a chance to win.