Earlier today, the Detroit Pistons released Josh Smith who was posting his lowest career field goal percentage (39.1) from the field and his second-lowest points per game total (13.1) in a little more than a quarter into the 2014-15 NBA regular season. The decision to cut ties with the 29-year-old forward was the result of the team "underperforming," according to Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Following the move, The Detroit News caught up with a handful of the Pistons' players and personnel to get their thoughts on the decision. The most interesting take came from Brandon Jennings. Let's just show you what he had to say first and then we'll discuss.
"We all know in this league and there's no hiding it, when you're making the big bucks and you're the guy, and you don't produce, fans and media look at you like what's going on?" said point guard Brandon Jennings. "And that goes for anybody in this league."
No one is going debate that Smith was struggling with the Pistons this year, but if there is one player who shouldn't talk about a guy failing to produce up to expectations, it's Jennings. So far this season, the 25-year-old point guard, who is in the second year of his three-year, $24 million contract, has career lows in points per game (12.7) and field goal percentage (36.8). Just a thought, but maybe Jennings should look in the mirror before flinging those criticisms towards J-Smoove.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com
[via The Detroit News]
