Can't Beat 'Em? Sign 'Em: Josh Smith Is Your Newest LA Clipper

I will say this...

This is great signing for the Clippers. Low risk. Moderately high reward. Adds even more versatility to a bench that lacked any whatsoever just a few short months ago. It solidifies the team's depth and gives them yet another big body that can block shots and make an impact defensively, even if he is inconsistent at best offensively. Josh Smith on a one year, veteran minimum deal can only give the Los Angeles Clippers more options and an increased likelihood of making a run at a championship. At the very least having him on the bench will all but guarantee he isn't on the other side of the floor closing his eyes and inexplicably nailing four 3 pointers in one nightmarish quarter. If he is going to have an impact on the Clippers season, it's best to make sure it isn't by turning a historical Western Conference Finals appearance into an epic, soul crushing loss. That, in itself, makes this signing a win for Clippers fans.

But, I will also say this...

I fucking hate Josh Smith. Always have, always will. Hated him on the Hawks. Hated him on the Pistons. Hated him on the Rockets. I may find a way to appreciate his talents this season, but it's going to take some soul searching. Doesn't matter how many times I watch him shoot the lights out against the Clippers in the playoffs (Ha! Just kidding. Never, ever, ever, ever watching highlights of the end of that series), I will never accept the fact that he can occasionally make a jump shot. I don't care how many times it results in points, I will always think of a possession that ends with Josh Smith taking a shot more than an arm's length away from the rim as a wasted possession. You know the unfair treatment Austin Rivers got before breaking out in the playoffs? That collective groan that came over the crowd when he went up to take a jumper? I am already looking forward to giving that very same treatment to Josh Smith. That's not to say that he can't add something to this team, but it is to say that I will always, deep down to my very core, hate Josh Smith. Let's just hope I can do it gleefully as he lifts the Larry O'Brien trophy at the end of the year.