The New Orlean Pelicans on Saturday afternoon officially inked veteran forward Josh Smith to a deal through their hardship exception.
According to Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate, the 31-year-old prior to the Pelicans taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday voiced much appreciation for the opportunity that the organization has provided him to play in the NBA again.
Spoke to Josh Smith in #Pelicans locker room. He mentioned many times he's grateful for the opportunity. Felt like a rookie in green room.
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) October 28, 2017
Smith had last played in the NBA back in the 2015-16 season with the Houston Rockets and had spent last year with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Association on a three-month contract. During his brief tenure with the Blue Whales, he averaged 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 26 games played.
Despite his high level of production, he received little interest around the league during the offseason with the Rockets being the only organization to look into adding him. That said, the Pelicans had continued to show some level of interest in him that led to an individual workout being held.
New Orleans could be his last opportunity to keep his NBA career going as he has struggled to play with consistency on both ends of the floor. Smith has a chance to latch onto a significant role with his new team.
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