What If... Josh Smith was the missing piece of the Houston Rockets?

by Bruce Bennett/ Getty Images North America from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/sKm20-vGweh/Detroit+Pistons+v+Brooklyn+Nets/xaBrP0soNTy/Josh+Smith

          Will the Houston Rockets pass the second round of the competitive Western Conference? Now that Josh Smith is the starting power forward of the Houston Rockets, he will play alongside Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, and James Harden. Once Terrence Jones is healthy, he will come off the bench for his defensive presence and rebounding ability. Their bench could use more depth and the point guard position. Patrick Beverley is a great defender but he continues to struggle on offense. With the addition of Josh Smith, will he bring the Rockets over the hump and make them a title contender? We question his leadership when he was with the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons. Will he adapt to his new role as either the 3rd or 4th option of the team? Josh Smith has to sacrifice more of his game if the Rockets to be a dominant team on a nightly basis. It will take time to find his rhythm shifting from the Eastern Conference to the West. He will have a key role once the playoff comes when he has to defend power forwards like Blake Griffin and Zach Randolph. Can Smith bring the team to the next level? We shall see.