Steve

Smith

Coach Bernie Bickerstaff did not intend to use the 35-year-old veteran this much when he signed him. “You’re tempted to have Steve in there,” Bickerstaff said of the crutch that Smith represents. “But that’s personal -- it’s not (always what’s best) for the franchise.”

“If there was a contender interested in Smitty, that would be his choice,” Bickerstaff said. “My (position on) Smitty is totally out of respect for him; if he could get another ring.” Right now, Bickerstaff said he’s not looking to make any deals. His other veteran who becomes trade-eligible on Wednesday is Brevin Knight, and the coach said Knight isn’t going anywhere.

Smith likely will be available, but that doesn’t mean he will play.

Smith scored a team-high 17 points in 28 minutes Sunday.

In addition to the Nuggets, the Hawks and Heat are also showing interest, according to the free agent shooting guard.

The Nuggets, Hawks and Lakers have expressed interest in the free agent. The Heat may want to go younger.

The 13-year veteran was signed primarily for leadership skills with such a young team in Charlotte.

While the Bobcats want to get their young guys minutes, Smitty is forcing coach Bickerstaff to play him. If you need threes, he could be a nice source of them. With Gerald Wallace struggling thus far, you would have to think that Smith is going to get decent minutes until Wallace turns it around.

Smith isn’t hurt. The Bobcats just want to use their younger guards.

Kareem Rush benefitted from his absence with 20 points in the win. Once the Bobcats are back at full strength, Rush will probably go back to a less prominent role in the offense.