You might have seen the reports of Smush Parker possibly signing as a free agent with the Clippers. These reports are simply the musings of a New York sportswriter who is purely speculating. I'm not saying that it is not possible. It is that there are just no credible rumors (or rumors at all) coming from the Clippers or the Smush camp. If the Clippers ever did sign Smush, it would be because they could sign him on the cheap. The Clips are hampered by the salary cap. However, they would not have to trade an asset to get Smush. He hasn't produced at a level that would command big money, so he fits in with their desire to not pay luxury tax for going over the cap.
Smush can be a credible offensive threat and can hit from downtown. But he disappears offensively at times. Some of that could be due to Kobe taking over the offense, leaving little opportunities for him to get shots in some games. If the Clips think that he could be a more consistant outside threat with Kobe not around, they might take a chance on him.
The larger concern however is defense. Smush is actually great at creating steals with his quickness and anticipation. But he is not very good at straight up defense against the best guards in the league like Nash. But a lot of guys can't guard Nash. He doesn't fight his way around screens very well. But this weakness was magnified with the Lakers because there often was nobody behind him clogging up the middle or rotating over with help.
Smush is ranked 8th in the NBA in steals vs turnover ratio, and 13th overall. He was 38th in 3 PT shooting with Kobe on the court. In two seasons with the Lakers, he averaged 11 PPG, 3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 steals, while hitting 44% and 36% from the 3. Some critics says he would be a better guard off the bench because he could be instant offense off the bench and wouldn't have to guard the starting PG for the opposing team.
So can Smush be helpful? Yes! Would Mike Dunleavey like his style? Nope! Is Smush afraid of anything or anybody? Nope! Can he play great at times? Yep! Can he take you deep into the playoffs? NO!
JamFan
