Joe Smith - Pistons Sampler (13 Points vs. Raptors)

The No. 1 overall pick of the 1995 NBA Draft, Joe Smith showed promise through his first three years in the league, averaging 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers. With the prospect of a long-term, multi-million dollar contract on the horizon, it came as a surprise to many when Smith instead chose to sign a trio of one-year deals with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 1999, 2000, and 2001 seasons.
As it turns out, things weren't on the level. Smith and the Timberwolves had agreed to an under-the-table deal that'd see Smith signing for well below market value for three seasons to provide Minnesota with increased market flexibility. Following three years of behind-the-scenes chicanery, it was understood that Smith would then be rewarded with a long term deal that could have been worth up to $86 million.
When the back alley deal came to light in 2000, the NBA responded swiftly and with great fury. The Timberwolves were forced to forfeit five first round draft picks (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005... though they ended up retaining '03 in the end) and fined $3.5 million. Each of Joe Smith's three contracts, meanwhile, were voided, eliminating his Bird rights and dashing the Wolves' plan to sign him long term.
It was under those conditions that Smith ultimately agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Pistons, eleven games into the 2000-01 regular season. Smith was installed as the team's starting power forward (alongside a young Ben Wallace) and averaged 12.3 and 7.1 rebounds for a Pistons team scrambling to hold its ground following the departure of Grant Hill the previous summer.
After just 69 games in Detroit, Smith returned to Minnesota in 2001, signing a six-year, $34 million deal, nowhere near the $86 million dreamed up during his initial run. Smith went on to play for 13 teams over 16 years, retiring in 2011.
Box Score: www.basketball...
A history of the Smith debacle: ftw.usatoday.c...
Smith signs with Pistons: www.espn.com/n...

[@mangrove]

At 32-50, that team overachieved. Fans and management knew that they wouldn't be too good, but they were still watchable, thanks to Stack gunning away every night, and Big Ben's hustle. Definitely a foundational season.

[@BigPatrys15]

Dude was a beast for the Warriors. No idea why he didn't become a star. He was one in the making for the first 2 years!

[@biggsweaty]

I do remember this saga, and what an odd one at that