Pistons waive Josh Smith -- Will the Clippers pursue him?

The Detroit Pistons today waived Josh Smith in a completely unexpected move. It's not a shock that Smith is overpaid; it's not a shock that's he's inefficient; it's not a shock that he doesn't fit with the Pistons in the long term, or even in the short term for that matter. But it's a rare NBA team that acts so decisively -- they didn't shop him for a trade, they didn't hem and haw -- they just cut him loose.

Smith is going to clear waivers in a few days -- no one is going to claim him at his current salary -- and where he'll land next is a big question. The Los Angeles Clippers have a well-documented hole at the small forward position, and Smith is sometimes called a small forward. The problem is, he's not the kind of small forward the Clippers need.

He's always been a tweener, and he's never been a good three point shooter -- though he hasn't always known that himself apparently, given how many he has taken over the years. The Clippers need a role player 3D type at that spot -- Smith is an impact player, but a very inefficient one.

Still, at the right price, you'd have to consider it. And he could certainly have a role, which might intrigue him. Still, I don't see it as a fit. He would make a lot more sense in Houston or Dallas, where he could log a lot more minutes at the four where he's had more success.

Stay tuned. And let me know what you think about the idea of Smith as a Clipper in the comments.