HEAT TRADE FOR STEVE SMITH
The Miami Heat acquired guard Steve Smith from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for forward Malik Allen and cash.
What does it give the Miami Heat
A little insurance and veteran experience on the perimeter. Smith is a
35-year-old sharp-shooting playoff warrior, albeit one with wonky knees.
The recent broken finger suffered by Eddie Jones puts his playoff
dependability in some doubt, so grabbing Smith for the playoff run was a
nice move. He won't play much, but his contributions will be quality if
they aren't quantity. He had actually asked not to be traded by
Charlotte, but can't be unhappy with a shot at a title this late in his
career.
What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
Yet another big, active body in the paint. Allen is a physical specimen
with lots of potential, and he's young enough at 26 to still become a
very good player. He fits right in with Bobcat GM Bernie Bickerstaff's
strategy with the team, which is to pick up as many young big men as
possible and see what pans out.
Fantasy impact
