The Return Of Josh Smith's Rockets

It’s just like nothing ever changed. I liken it to your favourite band coming back from hiatus and pumping out their greatest hits, and boy did the #bandofbrothers put on a show against the Mavericks. The best thing is, the boys are back together and they’ve got a new addition, Ty Lawson.

Last season the Rockets had a good start but things changed once GM Daryl Morey brought in Corey Brewer and Josh Smith. Their energy off the bench was contagious and it was good for McHale to be able to rely on his bench when the ball movement was stagnant or they were being out worked.

This was epitomised by the stunning last quarter comeback in the semi finals against the Clippers last season – If you want a smile have a look at this. This is what the bench unit will look like with Josh Smith but with one small change.

Ty Lawson will now become one of the #bandofbrothers because he comes off the bench and well, he wears a headband! While Dwight Howard is injured Brewer is starting, but on his return this is what a bench unit could look like –

PG- Ty Lawson

SG – Jason Terry/Marcus Thornton

SF – Corey Brewer

PF – Terrence Jones

C – Josh Smith

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From the first two games of the homecoming of King Smoove, it’s obvious what this unit is going to bring every night for the Rockets. Energy, ball-movement, 3-point shooting and ENERGY. The possibilities with this unit are endless as Lawson and Smith are A+ passers while Terry is still able to drop some crazy dimes. All three are capable 3-point shooters and they all love to run the break, which will make this unit fun to watch.

From what I’ve said plus the evidence of the first two games, it’s a mystery Smith was ever let go. But the front office was content with Jones’ improvement and counted on Donatas Motiejunas to be the main offensive threat at power forward. What Morey failed to realie was Smoove was the glue which united this team.

If we take a look into the Rockets’ playbook, there are a few plays we are likely to see (and already have) with the return of Josh Smith.

1-5 Pick and Roll/Pop – This becomes one of the Rockets’ deadliest weapons. Smith’s versatility makes this so hard for the opposition players to guard. So Smith will set a screen for Ty Lawson and here is your standard pick and roll options, go under the screen and he can shoot the trey or fail to get around it and Ty will make you pay at the rim. If they successfully close out on Lawson here is where things get interesting. Smith can roll to the rim or he can ‘pop’ to the 3-point line for a maximum. When he rolls to the rim his great basketball IQ allows him to kick out to open shooters with a beautiful, precise pass or he can slide under the defender and go up for the jam. This will be a go to for the second unit.

Fist up 2 – This is mainly run with Harden and Jones but we will see it with Smith as the primary ball handler. One wing will be in the left hand corner and Harden the right. The point guard will drop the ball of at the top of the arc to Smith who will in turn give a dribble hand off to Harden. This will result in a 3-point attempt on most occasions with Smith setting a screen at the same time. Look for this to come back into the playbook with Smith back in the lineup.

Cross Court Pass – This play would usually come about when Smith is playing at Power Forward, as the Center is required to set a flare screen in the paint. We saw this one against the Bucks, Smith posts up and Clint Capela sets a flare screen in the paint while Lawson runs round into the corner for the open three and drills it.

The Return Of Josh Smith’s Rockets

By James D'Elia | Jan 25, 2016

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