Pistons Bench $54 Million Man Josh Smith In Loss To Golden State
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith earns $13.5 million this season, year one of a four-year deal that totals $54 million. In Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Smith played just 19 minutes and scored only two points.
Smith started the game but got left on the bench for the beginning of the second half.
According to ESPN, Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks said he was not trying to send a message but merely trying to find a combination of players that would work. He did say, however, that he was unhappy with the team's effort.
Smith has started all seven games this season and averages 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
His $13.5 million salary is more than 22 percent of the Pistons' total payroll, making Smith far and away the highest-paid player on the roster. Charlie Villanueva makes the second most, $8.58 million in 2013.
