It's easy to overlook leadership on a team, but Scott Brooks isn't making that mistake with Jason Smith. Following the Wizards' decision to trade Jason Smith to the Bucks, Brooks spoke glowingly about Smith and his presence in the locker room. Brooks also said that he will be missed:
On the other part of the deal, trading away NBPA team rep & positive locker room presence Jason Smith, Brooks said he will be missed.
“Jason has been terrific. One of the best pros I’ve ever been around.”
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 8, 2018
Smith was really no more than a fringe rotational player for Scott Brooks. He only appeared in 12 games for the Wizards this season and most of his appearances came in blowouts. Whether or not the Wizards were on the wrong end of a blowout is a different story altogether.
Despite his reduced role on the court, it's clear that Brooks and the Wizards will miss Smith's presence in the locker room. Washington has had a season filled with drama so far. Losing a strong presence in the locker room could be detrimental to the progress the team is making.
That being said, Sam Dekker could be a better fit. There's a chance Dekker assumes a consistent role in the rotation when he returns from injury. It didn't look like Smith was cracking the rotation barring injuries or unforeseen circumstances.
Ironically enough, the Wizards and the Cavaliers play on Saturday night. But Dekker won't have the opportunity for a revenge game because he's still working his way back from an ankle injury. Smith's first opportunity at a revenge game could come on Jan. 11.
Follow Us
Subscribe