NBA Rumors: Los Angles Clippers Are the Perfect Match for J.R. Smith

The Los Angeles Clippers were looking to add a marquee free agent even before Chauncey Billups tore his left Achilles tendon on Monday.

Now with Billups out for the season, adding a two-guard is a must. And after looking at the options, no one fits better than J.R. Smith.

Smith is currently not allowed to play in the NBA until his contract with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association is over. But after that is free to sign anywhere he chooses. The Golden Bulls currently sit in seventh place in the CBA and, if they make a deep playoff run, he could be kept in China until mid-March.

Whenever he is released from his contract in China, Smith will have the chance to pick where he wants to play. The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks have both been linked to Smith, but the best option for him is to join the Clippers.

Smith's game relies on three-point shooting and fast-paced transition dunks. With limited practice time this season, the Clippers plays currently consists of pick and roll opportunities with Chris Paul and lots of transition baskets. Smith would fit in perfectly with this type of run and gun team. 

Paul is one of the best guards in the game at getting penetration and then kicking out to an open man when the defense collapses. Guards such as Billups and Mo Williams have both found success this year with the Clippers.

There is no reason to think Smith could not fare the same way. With his deadly three-point shooting, he would certainly be a huge asset to Paul. 

As Blake Griffin is still developing into a refined offensive force, the Clippers have elected at points this year to go small, with three guards on the floor. While this worked well with Billups, Williams and Paul, Smith is three inches taller than Billups and could play the 3 more naturally, so the Clippers would not have to give up so much size when they go with three guards. 

The last aspect of Smith's game is his ability to finish in transition. Smith is known to be a high flier, already having competed in two dunk contests. He would fit in perfectly with Lob City and would allow them to play at a faster pace than the aging Billups could. 

The other option the Clippers are looking at is point guard Ramon Sessions, but he is more of a slasher, and would conflict with Paul's style of play.

Smith would help the Clippers open up the floor and could match the scoring output that Billups was achieving earlier in the year.