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Josh Smith
#5 – Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks
Season: 15.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 47% fg percentage, 64% ft percentage
Career: 13.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 2.4 bpg, 44% fg percentage, 69% ft percentage
Josh Smith one of those players whose on the court presence doesn’t translate to his numbers. His numbers, while respectable at best, don’t tell the entire story. He’s a very explosive player who thrives in the Atlanta system both on both ends of the floor. Although he’s mostly known for his highlight reel dunks – and there are many of them – Smith’s contributions on the defensive end make Atlanta a team to be feared.
Let’s get one thing straight, Smith can’t shoot the ball. The majority of his points come from right around the rim. His points come from put back and fast break slams and isn’t any kind of threat to hit an outside shot. His free throw shooting is also dismal. A career 69% shooter, Smith is someone who you won’t hesitate to foul in the dying seconds of a game.
The Good
Smith will attack the rim without fear. He’ll get up and get his and will also take yours away. He’s not just athletic – but he’s got the frame to take some punishment. When he gets the ball on an isolation you better have help coming or a defender who knows how to get out of the way.
The Bad
He can’t shoot the ball. Anything made outside of 10-15 feet is something you’ll live with if it keeps Smith from making posters out of your centers. Keep him from driving and you’ll live with the consequences. Don’t be afraid to put him on the line either. With his atrocious free throw shooting don’t worry about him icing any games from the line.
The Recap
- Great open court finisher.
- Will clean up the glass and put back loose balls.
- Isn’t afraid to play above the rim.
- Can’t shoot the ball.
- Can’t hit a free throw.
Tips and Tricks
Play off of Smith to keep him from getting into the middle. Driving him baseline might cause him some problems – but he’s creative enough to figure out how to score in deep post position. Make him a jump shooter and collapse the middle if you see him coming. Be sure to keep an eye on him at all times, as he’ll soar above you when you least expect it.
Final Thoughts
Smith is a great player to watch and rewards fans nightly with his high-flying acrobatics. Until he learns to shoot the ball, however, he won’t have fans rushing to vote him into the all-star game. Right now, he reminds me of a Ben Wallace with a little more firepower – but not much more mind you. Hopefully Smith can learn to expand his offensive game and continue to improve at the line. He’s a great talent and it’d be a shame if he got sidelined in the crunch due to his shooting inabilities.
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