Josh Smith confirmed that he has decided to join the Houston Rockets, where he will be reunited with close friend Dwight Howard, reports revealed on Wednesday night.

Smith, who was waived by the Detroit Pistons on Monday just in the second season of his four-year, $54 million deal with the team, believes the Rockets have the best chance of winning the title among teams that approached him about a possible deal.

Smith also added he is excited to play alongside his former AAU teammate Dwight Howard and James Harden, whom he called as the best shooting guard in the league today.

"It's an exciting time for me," Smith said in interview via ESPN. "Being able to be reunited with a good friend and one of the best teammates I ever played with, I think we can definitely do something special. Playing beside the best 2-guard in the game right now in James Harden, what more can you ask for."

The Rockets are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with their 20-7 record --- just three games behind the conference-leading Golden State Warriors, who hold a league-best 23-4 record.

With his entry, Smith feels that he can help the Rockets get over the hump this season after failing to get past the first round of the playoffs over the past two seasons.

"I think I can add to their toughness," Smith said. "I think I can add to their versatility at the 4 position, being able to pass the basketball and score the ball down low. Just add another basketball IQ, which will help when we make it to the postseason."

The Rockets were considered as favorites to land Smith since the Pistons announced they are waiving the high-flying forward. Aside from the Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Smith.

The Rockets had the upper hand among interested teams because they could offer their biannual exception worth $2.1 million, while other teams offered a veteran's minimum salary of $1.4 million.

Smith, who averaged 13.1 points to go along with 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 28 games with the Pistons, also wanted to sign with a team where he could immediately start, and the Rockets gave into his demand.

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