I love JSmith’s emotions and his willingness to challenge the HC when things aren’t going well. Isn’t it odd how some of those who criticize JSmith for being emotional also criticize JJohnson for not being more emotional. SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST LOOKING FOR EXCUSES AND SOMEONE TO BLAME, WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF COMMON SENSE. I’LL CONTINUE HOLDING THE SAASG AND HC MWOODSON RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT AILS THE HAWKS, NOT THE PLAYERS, INCLUDING MBIBBY.

about this: “however, i do look at Al and his skill relative to other bigs who were highly touted coming out of college; Emeka, Bogut, Lamarcus… all showed growth, progression, maturation in their game year to year (1st to 2nd even)… like i said, its as if his offensive game has regressed”

OK, I’ll give you Aldridge, but Okafor and Bogut?

Okafor’s scoring went DOWN in his second year, back up the next, and has gone DOWN since. And I’d guess he’s the third option on offense.

Bogut after 4 years is averaging 11.9 and 8.7 and he’s either the second or third option on offense. (Second while Redd was hurt) Horford’s looking pretty comparable at 10.8 and 9.5

Al is at best the 5th option (and with the minutes Flip played, he’s more like the 6th option) and yet in his second season he RAISED his scoring average with FEWER fga/gm than the year before. He also cut his turnovers and raised his assists, AND his FG %. That’s offensive progression, even if we’d all like more.

I was like you and expected a bigger bump from his offense. But you CANNOT deny that he had fewer chances with the ball than all of the players you compared him to.

Now, we can go round and round as to WHY he’s the 5th or 6th option, but it’s undeniable that he had fewer chances.

And please, don’t suggest anymore that Mo and Flip should be doing anything for this team above Smith (Funny how a 23-yr old forward shall be set the task of leading his teammates on the defensive end when he has veterans in JJ, Bibby, Flip, and Mo). Those guys are journeymen. Again, when Smith accepted a $58M contract, the days of his draft slot or high school education went out the window.

To mimic Ray’s style… funny that Horford’s age didn’t interfere with him stepping up into a leadership position during the Celtics playoff series (and during his rookie season). Did the vets listen to him because of his draft slot? Doubtful. His salary? Certainly not. Because he had won titles in the amateur ranks? Maybe. Or because of the way he handled his business during his first 80 games as a professional? Yeah, I think it was mostly about that. Age ain’t nothing but a number.

I am not saying Ariza is better than Josh…I am saying that these people have made serious improvements to there Game over the past 5 years. If ARIZA, Iguodala and Marvin can develop a jump shot, why not Josh.(Marvin is in the same system) These Players came to the league with the same issues

I know we have a BAD coach and a Bad system, But when will we say Josh isn’t developing his skills. If the most important thing he does is DUNK, that is not enough for me.

I WANT A CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

PS..FIRE WOODY