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The Bill Simmons/Jalen Rose plan for welcoming back Josh Smith

By Dan Feldman

Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bill Simmons of Grantland:

"Pistons fans keep asking me how to handle Smith’s dramatic return to Detroit on January 31. I agree with my Grantland Basketball Hour cohost Jalen Rose — a five-minute standing ovation for Josh would deliver the message in the snarkiest way possible. Especially if fans were strewn about the arena dressed as ghosts in Josh Smith/Pistons jerseys and calling themselves “The Ghosts of Brickmas Past.”)"

I would have liked this idea much more when the Pistons were at the peak of their post-Smith resurgence. Now that they’ve lost four straight, I’m not so sure.

Smith is clearly better off since his release. The Pistons are better this season, but probably no longer enough to justify the huge and prolonged cap hit they took.

This is just a strange situation, and whether fans cheer or boo, it will be one of the more interesting homecomings in the NBA this season.

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