Jeff Adrien is CLEARLY a better basketball player right now than Greg Smith. He has proven it at the D-League, European and NBA (last season) levels. Adrien just had one awful game. And we're not talking about a starter or anything. He's obviously a 9th or 10th man, at best. Smith does look like he's got some potential. But he's so raw right now. The Rockets have plenty of raw young talent on the roster. They need players with more experience. Hence, Adrien over Smith. Greg Smith is EXACTLY where he should be right now. As a D-Leaguer who is not on an NBA roster. In time, however, I could see him developing into an NBA player. He's just not ready yet.
Just checked out D-League salaries: $13,000-$26,000. Wow. There must be illegals that earn more than that.
Actually I think it's intentionally kept low so that foreign teams can buy out their contracts. $13,000/5 months => $31,000/12 months. I think that's slighter higher than flipping burgers or moving furniture.
Love the pickup. I'm a huge fan of Smith. Big body, strong ... if he develops and stay focused, he can be a nice player in no time.
We should make a watch thread for this guy, he has a chance to be special. Double double in his first action. 18pts 11rbs (5 off, 6 def) on 7-9 shooting. I'll be keeping tabs on him for sure.
