This is good news for Clippers fan as the aptly-monikered “Rhino” is a fan favorite who is a solid asset who contributes a physical presence on the team’s bench and showed an ability to guard opponents’ forwards (and centers on occasion) with a physical style.

Smith averaged just under 9 points per game while backing up Marcus Camby and Drew Gooden last season.

I was surprised to see that Rhino averaged less than 4 rebounds per game in just over 16 minutes per with the Clippers last year, but that’s what the stats say. It’s a trite cliche to say that Smith “does things that don’t show up in the stat sheet” but if there is anyone on the current roster who will do those things, it’s certainly Smith.

The bottom line is that Smith is a valuable asset for the Clippers: a role player who knows his limits and has proven his ability to provide depth and muscle to a team in need of both. Smith’s value extends beyond his physical play; he is another guy who brings continuity to the team and one who can help to push rookie Blake Griffin and teach him some of the technique that have contributed to Smith’s long stay in the league.

The Bucks have agreed to terms of a contract with former Clipper Drew Gooden. The deal will reportedly pay Gooden $32 million over five years and will finally give the deserving Gooden an opportunity to establish a level of stability, seeing that Gooden has played for 8 different teams in his 8-year career. Gooden would have been a nice piece for the Clippers’ roster next year if he was interested in playing behind presumptive starter Blake Griffin but this is a better fit for Gooden, who should step right in and start for the Bucks.

Rudy Gay has reportedly agreed to a 5-year deal that will pay him upwards of $80 million. This is important news for the Clippers, as Gay seemed like a prime target for the Clippers as a second-tier option at the 3 spot. Seeing as how Gay was a guy who was destined to be overpaid (and make no mistake, this deal is over-paying him), it’s nice to see another team exhaust their financial reserves on a guy who isn’t even the true number-one option on his own team, and not have the blunder come at the expense of the Clippers.

Both deals will have to wait until the 8th of July to be officially signed, as that’s when the NBA will release next year’s salary cap.