Why Did Detroit Sign Josh Smith?

Josh Smith and Joe Dumars have something in common: they are both polarizing figures in the NBA. 

Dumars has made some fantastic moves as the general manager of the Pistons, orchestrating the roster for a championship run in 2004. But he has also made some bad ones, most notably drafting Darko Milicic in the star-studded 2003 draft, over stars such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. 

Josh Smith is an athletic freak of nature who can just about guard anyone in the NBA. He can jump out of the building to get blocks and rebounds like few can. But anytime he shoots the ball...

Which brings me to the question, why did Dumars and the Pistons sign Josh Smith to a $54 million, four year deal? 

The Pistons have a solid young core in Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight, all who are under 24 years old. In fact, Drummond is 19 and Knight 21. Neither Drummond nor Monroe are known for their shooting touch but are still growing; on track to become all-stars. Why not let them continue to gain experience by letting them play most of the big men minutes? Smith will command at least 30 minutes each game, some of which will be taken from Monroe and Drummond. It would be tough for all three to be on the court at the same time due to a lack of outside shooting, and a clogged lane.

It seems the Pistons are in a win-now mode as they are trying to trade for Rajon Rondo, which would force them to give up Drummond or Monroe. I don't understand why the Pistons don't continue to rebuild and let these young guys grow together. A core of Knight, Drummond and Monroe is hard to beat. The more time they all play together, the more chemistry they will build, which will translate into more wins.

The Pistons still have Charlie Villanueva and Jason Maxiell, two veteran power forwards who will also command at least 15 minutes a game. Maxiell is a poor man's Josh Smith: a little smaller, a little slower but still a presence in the paint. Villanueva is an outside shooter with an almost untradeable contract, a prime example of Dumars using cap space just to use it, like when he signed Ben Gordon and Villanueva to ridiculous deals in the summer of 2009. (Does Detroit still have the amnesty option?)

Not only is JSmoove making $13.5 million a year, but Dumars should have waited one more year for the better free agent class next summer to perhaps sign someone, just like in '10 where he could have waited for the first Lebron James and co. free agency bonanza.

Looks like they're going to miss out on the potential options of Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kyrie Irving, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, etc. - again. 

If Detroit doesn't make some noise in the playoffs - or make the playoffs at all - expect to see ownership to look for a new general manager next summer; Dumars is certainly on the hot seat and his job may all depend on Josh Smith. And I don't know if that's a good thing.