A couple days ago, former NBA journeyman Josh Smith was seen working out with James Harden, Chris Paul, Tarik Black and rookie Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets.Now, according to Kelly Iko of ESPN975, Smith is very interested in a return to the Rockets, where he played in parts of the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. Over 55 games in 2014-2015, Smith averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.5 minutes, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous sixth men in the entire NBA. Smith signed with the Clippers in free agency in the summer of 2015, but he was traded back to the Rockets during that season. His role decreased to 18.3 minutes off the bench and he put up just 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game as regression in his game set in.Nonetheless, it showed a desire from Houston’s end to re-acquire the veteran forward. Now the question becomes whether or not the team extends an offer for his third stint with the organization. Coming off of a productive partial season with the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, the 31-year-old with 12 years of NBA experience might not end up making the Rockets' roster if he gets signed.Despite the fact that he averaged 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists over the course of his NBA career, Smith would become a member of a talented and crowded bunch. Having to compete with small forwards Trevor Ariza, P.J. Tucker, Troy Williams and Luc Mbah a Moute as well as power forwards Ryan Anderson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Shawn Long, Chinanu Onuaku, and Qi, Smith would have an uphill battle to earn any type of significant playing time if he lands a roster spot at all.Given the shift to a "positionless" NBA, Smith could also see time at the five, but the team is also very crowded at that position as Clint Capela and Nene Hilario proved to be a reliable duo in the post last season.

Since Houston’s cap situation is tight at the moment, Smith would have to agree to play for the veteran’s minimum. It’s also worth mentioning that Smith played alongside Paul during his time with the Clippers and his presence would add a veteran presence in a locker room filled with young talent.

Smith had his best statistical season in 2011-2012 with the Atlanta Hawks. Over 66 games, the 6’9” forward put up 18.8 points, 9.6 boards and 3.9 assists per game. Five years is a long time, but if he resembles the player he was at that point, the Rockets could benefit.