Mr. Smith returns to Cleveland

Joe Smith will be with the Cavs when they play in Boston on Sunday. That's a very, very good thing. Perhaps never before has one who played so few minutes meant so much to one team. But the level of affection and respect for Smith is very evident in the statements of the Cavs in George Thomas' story tonight (I had planned to be at that game and write about Smith, but two-day-long dizziness caused by an inner ear infection forced a sick day … now rumors that I am dizzy can be confirmed). Smith was with the Cavs a very short time last season — 27 games plus the playoffs — but he made a large impression with his professionalism, his willingness to do anything and his defense. A team cannot have enough professionals — something I've said often, usually relating to another team in town. Smith is the right fit, something I've been advocating for a long time. Had the Cavs acquired him prior to the trade deadline, he'd have been the right fit. With Ben Wallace out, he's the right fit. Heck, he's a better fit than Hush Puppies (and if you're old enough to know those were shoes, then you can do the watusi with me). This is a good move for the Cavs — and for Smith.