New Orleans Pelicans Signed Veteran Forward Josh Smith Using an Injury-Hardship Exception
Journeyman forward Josh Smith has finally found a new team in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
According to the Times-Picayune's William Guillory, Smith has agreed to sign a nonguaranteed contract with the New Orleans Pelicans under the league's injury-hardship exception. ESPN's Bobby Marks and Shams Charania of The Vertical have also reported the same thing.
"Smith's agent, Wallace Prather, finalized the agreement on Wednesday. Smith is traveling to Sacramento and is expected to be available for the Pelicans' road game against the Kings on Thursday night, league sources said," Charania said.
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Well, Smith did not suit up for the team when they played against the Sacramento Kings, but he may be available when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers this Saturday.
With Rajon Rondo (sports hernia), Solomon Hill (proximal hamstring tear), Alexis Ajinça (knee patellar tendonitis), Ömer Aşık (Crohn's disease) and Frank Jackson (fractured right foot) currently sidelined for an extended period of time, the NBA has granted the Pelicans an extra roster spot. Four players have to miss at least three straight games for teams to qualify for the injury-hardship exception.
With All-Star forward Anthony Davis currently sidelined due to an injury to his left knee, the Pelicans needed to add more depth to their frontcourt. Before signing Smith, DeMarcus Cousins and Cheick Diallo were the only healthy big men on the Pelicans' roster.
Of course, it's unclear how long Smith will play with the team since he's only going to be there temporarily.
"Smith will be with the Pelicans for an unknown length of time, since the team will have to shave its roster down back down to 15 players when at least two return from injury," Scott Kushner said in his column for The Advocate.
Smith has averaged 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.9 blocks in his career.
