Hawks and Josh Smith may have had enough of each other
When Josh Smith dominates, as he did in Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls, he's a favorite of Hawks fans. (Curtis Compton/AJC).
For seven seasons, Josh Smith has shown us that he can be the best player on the floor. For seven seasons, he has shown us that he can be the worst player on the floor. The fact these opposites often appear in the same game is what makes him so maddening.
This is why after seven seasons, it’s time to say goodbye.
Smith is not the biggest problem on the Hawks’ roster, he’s merely the greatest lightning rod for criticism. He’s not the player who has crippled the payroll and just followed the richest contract in NBA history — $123,658,089 — with his least-productive season. That would be Joe Johnson.
For as much as Smith is hammered for launching three-point shots, he had a better shooting percentage from three-range this season (33.1 percent) than Johnson (29.7). Johnson battled some injuries (elbow, thumb). But so did Smith (knee), and he’s not supposed to be a three-point shooter. So who should we scream louder about?
Here’s the problem: Smith clearly is getting fed up as the Hawks’ player who’s constantly being duct-taped to a post in the middle of the town square.
I spoke to him the day following one bad shooting performance in the playoffs and he said, “I know sometimes I take shots I shouldn’t. But I’m not the only one in here who takes bad shots. I just get talked about more than anybody else.”
There is some truth to that. There’s also some truth to the fact that some of coach Larry Drew’s offensive sets leave Smith out in the corner, away from the basket, although that doesn’t mean he has to shoot from out there.
Smith’s slow boil continued when Drew called him out following a poor performance in Game 2 of the Chicago playoff series. (“I want him flying all over the place. I don’t want him sitting out there just shooting jump shots and trying to make plays off the dribble.”)
Then, following his phenomenal Game 4 performance against the Bulls (23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, one steal), Smith seized the moment.
“The media is trying to ‘T.O.’ me,” he said, referencing NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens, a frequent target of blame.
He called his relationship with fans “a love-hate thing.” There’s no reason to believe that’s going to change.
The Hawks might finally be willing to trade Smith. But equally important is that Smith may actually welcome a trade. He needs a fresh start, with a new organization, new teammates and new fans – all some place far away from his hometown.
For as much as Smith is criticized, he is not a bad guy. He’s a good guy. He wants to succeed. He wants to be accepted and appreciated as much as anybody — if not more so, because he’s from Atlanta.
We get on the Hawks for sometimes looking like they just don’t care. That generally isn’t the problem with Smith. It’s more about him going after solutions in the wrong way.
The risk of trading Smith is that he finally turns into that consistent game-changer we’ve envisioned since his rookie season. The downside to not trading him now is if he doesn’t become that soon, his value on the trade market will plummet.
Hawks general manager Rick Sund wanted to give the core of this team one more chance to show what it can do. There was improvement this postseason – upsetting Orlando and taking Chicago to six games without their starting point guard – but this probably is as far as this unit can go.
Johnson can’t be traded because of his contract. Al Horford won’t be traded because he’s the team’s most consistent player. Jeff Teague suddenly shows promise. That leaves Smith as the only player who other teams really want. They see great potential without a long-term commitment (two years left on his contract).
Dealing Smith gives the Hawks a chance to acquire a legitimate starting center. Teague’s ascent opens the possibility of including Kirk Hinrich and his expiring $8.1 million contract in the trade.
There are options. But after seven years, Smith’s exit would be beneficial for both parties.
By Jeff Schultz
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414 comments Add your comment
ag
May 23rd, 2011
5:12 pm
Also, there has been an article on Marvin Williams.
Life Coach
May 23rd, 2011
5:12 pm
Didn’t smith hire a “Life Coach” to help him with is long game? he was supposed to close his eyes 20minutes before bed and envision himself making the 3.
Earth to Josh, you need a common sense coach, and just spend a few extra hours after practice working on your shot. You see, it takes work to be good at something.
Utterly moronic. They can’t trade this guy, NO ONE in the league wants an idiot, no matter how good he is at close range.
NolanRichardson
May 23rd, 2011
5:14 pm
I would not complain about Al Horfords game. Al has made TREMENDOUS STRIDES since coming in as a rookie. Al is much tougher than he used to be. In fact Al was much softer when he first came into the league but now Al is very tough and plays hard and well. Al needs mentorship for someone to help him with his FOOTWORK IN THE PAINT; his explosiveness to the basket and his decisionmaking as to what to do when he is at point blank range; do you give up the rock or do you drill the jumpshot. AL NEEDS TO LEARN TO RELAX AND LET HIS BRUTE FORCE TAKE OVER. AL IS SUCH A MILD-MANORED GUY THAT HE DOESNT UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE TO BE SUPER-AGGRESIVE TO BE GREAT. ALL THE GREAT ONES ARE–D-WASTE, LABRON, DWIGHT HOWARD, KOBE, DIRK, ETC. ALL OF THESE GREAT STARS FORCE THEIR SHOTS WHEN THEY ARE READY TO PUT THEM UP. THEY DONT CARE WHO IS GUARDING THEM THEY EITHER DRILL THE SHOTS, FADE AWAY, OR DRIVE THE BASKETBALL THROUGH THE TEETH OF THE DEFENSE. AL HORFORD NEEDS TO LEARN TO BE AS TOUGH AS HE CAN, AND MOVE SWIFTLY THOUGH THE PAINT GETTING HIS SHOT UP OVER THE DEFENDERS. ONE THING THATS GREAT ABOUT AL IS THAT HE IS OPEN TO CRITICISM AND HE IS DETERMINED TO LEARN WHAT HE NEEDS TO, IN ORDER TO BE GREAT. AL HAS A GREAT WORK ETHIC AND A GREAT ATTITUDE. WE NEED MORE AL HORFORDS ON THE ATLANTA HAWKS. If the Hawks could trade Josh Smith and Marvin Williams for Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings, I think our club would be much improved and we would start to win championships right away.
Teague Smith Johnson Sanders & Bogut
May 23rd, 2011
5:19 pm
@NolanRichardson
ok fair enough propose a roster where we can win with Horford on this team. Brandon Jennings shoots 39% and nobody will trade you 2 wing players for a DPOY-candidate center unless one of those players is named Lebron James or Dwyane Wade. Heck Dwyane and Kobe may be too old and unwilling to play to them.
But having Bogut would give Atlanta an advantage over Miami. Only a matter of time before Miami gets a legit PG or Center. They may get Dalembert this offseason.
Teague Smith Johnson Sanders & Bogut
May 23rd, 2011
5:33 pm
^Hawks had better make their mind up about Williams/Horford. Writings on the wall. and no Horford has not made tremendous strides. his PER proves he has been consistent against elite PF and centers. Their length is too much for him he is best at center and we need length and depth.
Winner’s Perspective:
Crawford as it stands is leaving.
Marvin Williams+Hinrich+Horford for starters (2nd round pick)+Bogut+Sanders and backup firepower Salmons and Gooden
+Teague starts and is ready come playoffs
+package 2nd round pick(s) for legit underrated big men: Semih Erden or Hasheem Thabeet
+sign Al Thornton for wing firepower bench
+sign legit veteran guards ie Mike Taylor, Ronnie Price to become CJ Watson
Now we have the best defensive lineups in the league. and replaced Al Horford’s pedestrian 9 rebounds and 14 points.
Smith is young and a top PER player as a 6′8 PF.
he will be available for a top 10 SF if needed (Gerald Wallace?Iguodala who?).
How hard was that.
Emotional Perspective:
Horford is so nice and wears those handsome white collar suits on Jim Rome. Josh is a meany who doesn’t want to post up and dunk on everybody. He can jump so HIGH! dunk it every time. Don’t care if they are bigger and stronger and sag off of you so u can’t dunk it, dunk it. It’s your fault your 7′0 tall Josh!
U put up near triple double and are the closest thing to Lebron but u have No IQ. U don’t need a jumpshot Ben Wallace was skinny and 6′8 like you!!!
Teague Smith Johnson Sanders & Bogut
May 23rd, 2011
5:39 pm
“Hawks could trade Josh Smith and Marvin Williams for Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings, I think our club would be much improved and we would start to win championships right away.”
Brandon Jennings shoots 40% and 5 3s a game. Teague is more physical. Joe Johnson would probably be defended by the 3s and whoever we had at the 2 would get abused by Dwyane Wade should they ever meet.
sad.
Abel
May 23rd, 2011
5:42 pm
could he be headed to PHX? aong with jamal crawford your going to have ot let one if not both of them go
David Stern
May 23rd, 2011
5:45 pm
Al Horford is not even as good as me. Better man on man defense but too robotic and slow to beat power forwards off the dribble. Too slow and not strong/tall enough to beat common PFs
And he shoots a 60s style set shot lol. He is not going to dominate anybody anytime soon. Complementary piece at best. Single coverage with Taj Gibson/Chris Bosh/Joel Anthony let him try to beat you. Silly Hawks
David Stern
May 23rd, 2011
5:55 pm
edit:
Al Horford is not even as good as David Lee to me. Better man on man defense but too robotic and slow to beat power forwards off the dribble. Too slow and not strong/tall enough to beat common PFs
He is not going to dominate anybody anytime soon. Complementary piece at best. Single coverage with Taj Gibson/Chris Bosh/Joel Anthony let him try to beat you. Silly Hawks
Ken Strickland
May 23rd, 2011
8:23 pm
Man, some of you are soooo stupid. Al Horford has been selected to consecutive All Star gms, as well as 3rd team All NBA by coaches and his peers. Yet, a bunch of know nothing fans want to over look all of this and get rid of him because he wasn’t perfect during the playoffs.
Imagine if the Dallas Mavericks had been as stupid as some of you are being and gotten rid of Dirk after he bombed during the playoffs after being voted MVP. And how many times did Lebron bomb during the playoffs? Some of you are so stupid for making these idiotic statements and trade suggestions which are motivated solely by some rediculous personal issue you’ve developed for or against certain players.
How in the hell can anyone be taken seriously when they claim a 2 time All Star center, who also got selected 3rd team All NBA, is too soft, too short, too weak, too passive etc. PURE BS.
This team has enough talent to make it to the NBA finals, provided we make some adjustments, upgrade our bench, and do a much better job of utilizating our available talent, namely MWilliams, Pape Sy and DWilkins. All of these stupid trade suggestions are a total waste of time and effort, period.
Samulac
May 23rd, 2011
9:24 pm
Good playa, but I’d trade anyone who openly and repeatedly cursed out the coach.
Joe D
May 23rd, 2011
9:37 pm
With a low post persence, JJ becomes a monster. Teams can double team. Trade Williams, ZaZa , and the Hawks’ 2nd round pick for Kaman (11.8 mil expiring). the Clippers have D. Jordan and their have inquired several times about Williams. Unfortunately, Hinrich would probably more desirable because of his 8.1 mil expiring contract. Either way make the trade, it improves the Hawks. Finally in 2012, D. Howard becomes a FA. So if Kaman does not work out let him go and with his 11.8 mil gone, then a sign and trade for Howard becomes reasonable with Horford, another player, and a future #1 pick.
LA fans don't want him
May 23rd, 2011
9:40 pm
Just read a few comments from la fans. In a nutshell, they’re calling him a lazy punk with no desire to improve his skills.
We might be stuck with him.
Ray
May 23rd, 2011
10:08 pm
We got 3 players JJ, Horford, and Smith these three we know are the core of this team.
You get rid of JJ we lose scoring
You lose Horford we lose rebounding ability
You lose Smith you lose what little bit of defensive identity we ever had.
You can take this for what you want, but one things for sure we lose anyone from this core it will be a major blow just depends on how long it would last. I think losing JJ will sting the least IMO.
One thing has to happen though one of these three has to be shipped out this much we already know. Thing is I don’t trust ASG or Sund because both are incompetent as owners and GM’s come.
all you have to do is look back at the Bibby trade. Honestly I like Hinrich, but for Jordan Crawford and a 1st he’s not worth it now Washington will probably get a good SF.
As for the coach well we’re stuck with him for another year cause we can’t really judge his work until the second year at most he’s done better than the previous in only one aspect so far and that’s getting farther in 2nd round of the Playoffs, but at the same time he possibly could have botched our run to the ECF because of not playing Teague during the regular season that’s one of those you never know situations.
As for Smith and his attitude it only comes out when things go bad, but when everything is right I seem to not hear much about these blow-ups. Plus every team has their J-smoove anyone here know J.R Smith of the nuggets what about a Russell Westbrook of the thunder. These type of players are the one’s that hate losing and will show it and get frustrated if they know the team can do better. That’s what Smith looks like he’s telling us not directly, but with his so call blow-ups it’s more like that’s his way of saying I WANT TO WIN MAN.
Ray
May 23rd, 2011
10:15 pm
Oh and as far as trades or cutting letting players walk and 2012 free agency.
We can make up a million trade scenarios for what we think the team needs, but honestly we’ll never know not matter how we try to think we know. Still though everyone is entitled to and opinion.
All I can say is we need some vets that actually have played and shows some heart I say we keep Wilkins here and bring in another veteran PF or C.
As far as trades and cutting we need to lose Etan Thomas and Josh Powell. Trade Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams I don’t know for who, but it’s obvious Marvin needs a clean slate no matter what and Jamal needs to be on a vet team like the Celtics or Spurs for all I care.
Limbo
May 23rd, 2011
11:07 pm
Sorry ray but your evaluation is simply ridiculous
If you trade either of those core players you get something in return . I have yet to see anyone say we are cutting them ,
You dont think there is a better scorer in the nba than JJ
You dont think there is a better rebounder in the nba than AL
You dont think there is a better defensive bigman than Josh
I dont think anyone advocates giving them away but as a group they are done .
Individually they are still very good players but as a group theyve gone as far as they can go . Thinking that somehow the right ROLE PLAYER will change that is how you you get caught and screwed over .
All three have basically hid behind this franchise and its low expectations long enough .
I find it amazing how every year the fans complain all season long and then come the offseason are afraid to make any changes that matter .
They dont get better because there is nothing at stake for them . They wont get benched and the fans and organization are too frozen with fear of the core to do anything.
Those players know for a fact that nothing will happen to them that in the end the blame will always go to the Marvins or the Crawfords or the Zazas or the Bibbys .They have no accountability and they know it .
Limbo
May 23rd, 2011
11:10 pm
Sorry ray but
If you trade either of those core players you get something in return . I have yet to see anyone say we are cutting them ,
You dont think there is a better scorer in the nba than JJ
You dont think there is a better rebounder in the nba than AL
You dont think there is a better defensive bigman than Josh
I dont think anyone advocates giving them away but as a group they are done .
Individually they are still very good players but as a group theyve gone as far as they can go . Thinking that somehow the right ROLE PLAYER will change that is how you you get caught and screwed over .
All three have basically hid behind this franchise and its low expectations long enough .
I find it amazing how every year the fans complain all season long and then come the offseason are afraid to make any changes that matter .
They dont get better because there is nothing at stake for them . They wont get benched and the fans and organization are too frozen with fear of the core to do anything.
Those players know for a fact that nothing will happen to them that in the end the blame will always go to the Marvins or the Crawfords or the Zazas or the Bibbys .They have no accountability and they know it .
Ray
May 24th, 2011
12:05 am
I didn’t say I didn’t think there were any better rebounders, scores, or defensive bigman then those three all I stated was that losing either one of the three would sting and be a major blow for us. It just depends on how long it lasts, or who we get back in return.
I do agree with the rest of your post though, but I can say one reason fans are in fear is because most know this organization is too stupid to get creative and pull off the right moves.
As the best example in this season how do you get rid of a highly touted rookie Jordan Crawford for someone like Hilton Armstrong granted that he did come along with Hinrich, and then a 1st round draft pick for this year.
This is why fans are scared and I do admit one of these guys will have to be moved to me it’s more between Joe and Josh then Josh and Horford.
Because Josh and Joe have actually been here since like 05 or what not. Horford only got here in what 08 or 07
I’m sorry, but you say we blame the Marvins and the Crawfords while I do agree right now the core of this group should be getting heavy blame. These two also should share it Marvin as a #2 pick you look at what he’s done, and you see what we could have had if BK would have done better scouting.
Marvin is through he’s one of the worst busts in the NBA modern era he’s not as bad as Kwame Brown and Greg Oden though.
DirtyBirdShawty
May 24th, 2011
12:40 am
I keep reading we should get Bogut but he is injured every season. I hear Milwaukee is still high on em anyway. I agree we should trade Hortford before we trade Smith but y’all know with this GM that’s not.gonna happen. I’m hoping we keep them both and trade Williams instead. There are only 2 decent big men I can think of that are surely on the trade market Chris Kaman and Al Jefferson.
A trade of Marvin, Hinrich & a future 1st for C. Kaman & R. Gomes works
Or
Marvin, Hinrich & a future 1st for A Jefferson and Raja Bell
Failed Smith Trade
May 24th, 2011
12:43 am
A trade just this season. The team we were dealing with walked because they felt that smiths attitude was poor, and he wasn’t going to change.
His trade value is over rated because he’s such a head case.
DirtyBirdShawty
May 24th, 2011
1:23 am
Now if management & Josh have both decided to part ways then we would surely send him West. I don’t think Kaman alone is worth Smith but there is on overvalue on Centers. Kaman was injured most of last season and averaged 12.4 points 7 rebounds 1.5 blocks in 32 games. We would be banking on him returning to 09-10 for When he averaged 18.5 points 9.2 rebounds & 1.2 blocks in 76 games. A good player but too injury prone to trade Josh for IMO.
I think our best bet is Al Jefferson. He is a true go to option in the low post. He averaged 18.6 points 9.7 reb 1.9 blocks. It would be nice if we could find a way to get the 12th pick from Utah in the deal as well. Utah would be willing to move em because they are loaded with bigs having Okur Milsap & Favors. They would play Josh @ Sf.
Forget about Andrew Bynum. The only remote possibility is if Orlando traded Howard to LA for Gasol & Odom but more than likely The Magic would trade for Bynum & Odom if they traded Howard there.
DirtyBirdShawty
May 24th, 2011
1:43 am
I’m also on record as saying we should resign J Crawford. I know he can be streaky at times but he has won several games for us and is one of the best players on the team at getting his own shot. Plus resigning Crawford would allow us to trade Hinrich’s expiring contact. I bet they will let Jamal walk though leaving Hinrich to play that 6th man backup SG/PG role. We would then be hoping on Marvin picking his scoring average back up at least where it was before Jamal came. We would then be faced with the decision next offseason of paying Hinrch or losing him in Free Agency.
It time for Al horford to go!
May 24th, 2011
5:27 am
Al horford came into the league averaging a college best 12 pts agame. After 4 years Al’s career average is still 12 pts agame This is after both mike woodson and larry drew increased the offense to horford. At best horford is an average player who may be a press and coach favorite but you cant fool the fans. As a reserve 3 team all star Al score 2 pts in the last all star game and is notorious for lack of defense and inviting dunks over him. In fact Al hates defense so much he is begging to be moved from center. Any time we play a real center and insist on play forward.
You will never reach the higher levels with this attitude and performance from Al. Josh is superior by far to Al Horford. In fact why dont you have them play 1 on 1 and the loser leaves town? LOL its Good bye Al
ROFLMAO!!
It time for Al horford to go!
May 24th, 2011
5:29 am
Al horford came into the league averaging a college best 12 pts agame. After 4 years Al’s career average is still 12 pts agame This is after both mike woodson and larry drew increased the offense to horford. At best horford is an average player who may be a press and coach favorite but you cant fool the fans. As a reserve 3 team all star Al score 2 pts in the last all star game and is notorious for lack of defense and inviting dunks over him. In fact Al hates defense so much he is begging to be moved from center. Any time we play a real center and insist on play forward.
You will never reach the higher levels with this attitude and performance from Al. Josh is superior by far to Al Horford. In fact why dont you have them play 1 on 1 and the loser leaves town? LOL its Good bye Al Smell you later!
ROFLMAO!!
CLIPPERS4LIFE
May 24th, 2011
7:23 am
TRADE KAVEMAN 4 JOSHSMITH STRAIGHT UP
ATL STARTING 5
PG?
SG?
SF?
PF?
C KAVEMAN
CLIPPERS STARTERS
PG/ MO WILLAMS ERIC BLEDSOE
SG/ ERIC GORDON RAND FOYE
SF/ JOSH SMITH AL AMINUE
PF/ BLAKE GRIFFIN
C/ DEANDRE JORDAN
C;IPPERS 2012 CHAMPS
Hawks Fans: Internal improvement suggestions | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest
May 24th, 2011
7:30 am
[...] expect the Hawks to make any major changes to the team. Maybe not even some that would seriously change the core, something that the Hawks don’t seem inclined to do, as it is. There’s nothing left but [...]
bilbo baggins
May 24th, 2011
7:50 am
Yeah, it not like we cant get much for Al horford on the market. Most teams see him as a very weak defender so they dont want to give up key players to take a step backwards in defense. Defense wins championship. Because of that I can see why the consensus in the NBA is you will never win an NBA championship with Al Hoford as your center or power forward.
That being said. If the hawks are going to improve Al has to go. His mild 14pts 9 rebounds is easily duplicated. over 35 players average 7.5 or more rebounds. Al doesnt bring much to the table and would not be miss talent wise as much as Josh, who is still the heart and soul of this team. Josh is a 5 tool player and shows up big time in big games as was evident in the play offs. Al gets punked by Amare and did not exist in the playoffs. He never shows up in the big games or against big front lines. It is easier to improve by trading Al than by trading Josh, again, its time for Al to go. Al is Just an average player at best who is favored by the press and some coach showed him charity by adding him as a reserve all star to which Al contributed 2 points. Get real people Al’s not a keeper. If he was all that then why are teams lining up to make a trade for him since everybody knows the hawks need a center?
Thats because most teams want to improve defensively in the post, not valet dunks to the rim.
Al has got to go!
bilbo baggins
May 24th, 2011
8:03 am
**Get real people Al’s not a keeper. If he was all that then why aren’t teams lining up to make a trade for him since everybody knows the hawks need a center?
Smokey
May 24th, 2011
8:09 am
Al attitude sucks. He thinks the team revolves around him and refuses to gain weight or get stronger to help the team by being an impact in the post. In fact hed rather force a multi talented Josh Smith, and a better power forward than Al to the perimeter to shoot bombs and disrupt the flow of the offense just so he can get out of playing center.
AL HORFORD IS SELFISH AND NO TEAM PLAYER!!
CHINA CONNECTION
May 24th, 2011
8:17 am
Hey we dont want Al because he doent play defense and is very self centered.
KevinM
May 24th, 2011
11:47 am
Look forward if we stand pat, again……….
We have no Jamal, we depend on Marvin, we keep our same GM, coach and the ASG….we are at a place with the cap where we have to fill 5 slots with around 6M. Are we still looking formidable to anyone here? Let Damien, Pape, Collins, Zaza & a 2nd rounder fill out our minimum roster. Yes, I see we have enough talent now….I just wasn’t seeing it clear.
Who actually believes this is a contending team? Yes, this is more likely to happen than not, but there is no way this team goes further than where we went this year, the year before or the year before? How long does it take for the same group of guys to break through and actually be a threat to all teams? Fact is, we knew at 2-2 in the Chicago series, we were going home.
So, if our wish or goal or dream is to improve this team, and provide more flexibility, even if it isn’t for next year, is to lower the salary numbers going out to 7 players. So, Josh or Al, along with Marvin are the main players in all discussions to free up cap.
I see no problem in offering Al or Josh to other teams. We are loaded at PF and need to balance across the floor more. Al doesn’t want to bang with the big boys, and Josh wants to play perimeter basketball.
And to validate any move, I personally don’t think any of our current captains are contending for HOF credentials. That is the type of player we need to try to find.
BoWilliams
May 24th, 2011
1:25 pm
THE HAWKS CAME EVER SO CLOSE TO WINNING A TITLE THIS YEAR. EVEN WITH THE HAWKS DEFICIENCIES (JOSH SMITH, AL HORFORD AND JAMAL CRAWFORD), THEY FINISHED ONLY T-W-O W-I-N-S AWAY FROM REACHING THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS. THATS AWESOME! THAT IS VERY CLOSE TO GREATNESS, RECOGNITION AND RESPECT. OF COURSE, IF THE HAWKS DONT MAKE IT TO THE ECF, THEY WILL NEVER GET ANY RESPECT FROM ESPN OR ANY OTHER NEWS MEDIA OUTLET FOR THAT MATTER.
DinasaurFenton
May 24th, 2011
2:30 pm
Everyone has seen in the ECF that Chicago is a vastly inferior team to the Miami Heat. The Bulls were ALSO VASTLY INFERIOR TO THE HAWKS AS WELL, unfortunately the Hawks could not exploit the Bulls weaknesses and they couldnt stop Derreck Rose from plowing through the paint like a bulldozer to score easy buckets. THE HAWKS WERE A BETTER TEAM THAN THE BULLS, UNFORTUNATELY THE HAWKS COULDNT PROVE IT ON THE COURT. THAT IS WHY THE BULLS ADVANCED INSTEAD OF THE HAWKS. THE HAWKS STILL WOULD HAVE GOTTEN CLOBBERED BY THE HEAT, BUT THE HAWKS SHOULD HAVE PLAYED THE MIAMI HEAT IN THE ECF. WELL, IF WE RE-SIGN JAMAL CRAWFORD WE SHOULD MAKE IT TO THE ECF NEXT YEAR.
Ray
May 24th, 2011
2:53 pm
@ DinasaurFenton
It wasn’t even Derrick Rose that killed the hawks it was all that rebounding that the entire team was doing. Also their bench killed us too.
BobbyD
May 24th, 2011
3:28 pm
Smith is a disaster on, and off the court. Ignorant, selfish, and so profoundly stupid.
The problem is, he moron and horrid human that he is, is not secret to other teams.
I think we’re stuck with the scumbag
joey1
May 24th, 2011
3:31 pm
1st trading josh would be plain stupid…. we lose almost our whole defense… we need to trade marvin williams and horford for andrew bogut …then sign thad..young(formet gt player) for the small forward posititon..and sign a few hard nosed defenders and shooter to come off the bench…
imagaine.. teague,johnson, young, smith,bogut
bench – kirk,sign player,wilkins,sign player,zaza
23scadoo
May 24th, 2011
3:36 pm
Not Trading Smith would be plain stupid….
…we need to lose a guy who starts fights in the locker room with other players, pushes his coach, repeatedly tells his coach to fuc_-off, and can’t listen to simple instructions.
He’s a cancer, a disease. Hawks have never won the big one with him, and never will, because a loser is a loser.
Blog brother lists the Spurs’ untouchables and others who could be swapped this summer - San Antonio TX DIRECTV service
May 24th, 2011
4:01 pm
[...] From the department of potential Spurs roster additions, Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution spells out the reasons why Josh Smith needs to leave the Hawks. [...]
throwdown40
May 24th, 2011
4:03 pm
Forget trading Smith and get a new coaching staff.
throwdown40
May 24th, 2011
4:11 pm
There isn’t anything wrong with the players, Its the coaching. Get a new coach and system and you start to think you had a team of allstars. The players can play. its just the system inwhich one is asked to produce that takes away from a players strength. Drews system doesn’t have the players required. Simple as that. bAnd when changing coaches, change of GM would be nice as well.
Ken from the Cuse
May 24th, 2011
4:51 pm
The problem with Atlanta fans are that you all are content to wait on potential. The problem with Josh is that he is a small forward but he doesn’t have SF skills. He is just athletic as hell. Most of todays SF have to be able to handle the ball like a guard, like Lebron. They need to be able to shoot at least a 15-17 ft jumper, defend, and take you off the dribble to create there own shot. Josn biggest issue is he can’t create his own shot and beat players off the dribble in the half court, so he settles for 3 point shots that he knows he can’t make. Josh came straight out of high school thinking he didn’t need to work on anymore skills and you see the product of that. Dwayne Wade had no jay but look what he developed. Lebron as well. Josh is his own worst enemy because he doesn’t think he has anything that needs work.
re: Ken from the Cuse
May 24th, 2011
5:18 pm
well said. worse, Smith believes he is a “player/coach” (his own words). He told management he wouldn’t play for Woodson, be told Drew he didn’t have a clue. In his mind, he is the only team captain.
Smith is far worse than a guy who won’t work at it, as you pointed out, he thinks he’s got the game everyone keeps telling him to lay off of (again, in his own words!)
I’ve heard from harsh statements about his work ethic, and intelligence (or lack there of) but he is his own worse enemy…if he could only keep his mouth shut, people wouldn’t know how dumb he really was.
DinasaurFenton
May 24th, 2011
5:29 pm
Everybody says to trade Josh Smith. I’m not so sure about that. Remember folks, in game 4 of the Chicago series when the Hawks tied the series 2-2, Smith was a monster particularly in the fourth quarter where Smoove DOMINATED THE FOURTH QUARTER. I dont ever remember Smith dominating a fourth quarter except for that game. Smith took only 1 bad shot in that entire game and his stat line was 23 pts, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocked shots. THAT WAS THE MOST COMPLETE DOMINATION BY A HAWKS PLAYER AND IT JUST HAPPENED TO BE JOSH SMITH. Folks, if Smith could play like that game every night, they would have to rename Smith either LaBron James or Dwayne Wade. FOLKS, PLEASE HAVE PATIENCE WITH JOSH SMITH. Dont you see, if Smith could just clean up a few things, he would evolve and transform into the association’s third best player behind King James and D-Wade. WHAT FOLKS DONT UNDERSTAND IS THAT: JOSH SMITH HAS UNLIMITED POTENTIAL TO BE THE THIRD BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA. Is it worth the gamble keeping him or seeing him become one of the top 3 players for another team. Josh needs to work on three aspects of his game. #1:STOP DRIBBLING THE BALL LIKE A GUARD AND GIVE THE BALL TO A GUARD TO DRIBBLE THE BALL DOWN THE COURT; #2:STOP TAKING UNWARRANTED JUMPSHOTS AND LIMIT YOUR JUMPSHOTS TO 15′ AND IN. IF YOU MUST SHOOT JUMPSHOTS THEN WORK OUT IN THE SUMMER SHOOTING 1500 JUMPSHOTS PER DAY AND JUSTIFY YOURSELF SHOOTING OUT ON THE PERIMETER. YOU WILL THEN BE GOOD ENOUGH TO STAND OUTSIDE THE THREE-POINT LINE AND SHOOT ALL DAY OUT THERE IF YOU WANT TO. IN FACT YOU COULD SHOOT FROM HALF-COURT IF YOU LIKE, PROVIDED YOU PRACTICED SHOOTING 1500 JUMPSHOTS PER DAY. #3:USE THE POWER GAME EXCLUSIVELY AND DRIVE TO THE BASKET, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DIVE INTO THE THIRD OR FOURTH ROW OF THE STANDS AFTER YOU DRIVE DOWN THE LANE. JOSH SMITHS POTENTIAL IS UNLIMITED. I THINK SMITH WILL BECOME A GREAT NBA PLAYER. WILL IT BE FOR THE HAWKS OR FOR SOMEONE ELSE.
throwdown40
May 24th, 2011
5:29 pm
ken ft cuse, Get serious. How many L.james are in this league. ONLY ONE BY MY LAST COUNT. AND YOU DOG SMITH BECAUSE HE ISN;T LBJ, GET OFF THE SALVIA.
Ken from the Cuse
May 24th, 2011
5:38 pm
@throwdown40. I know he is not LBJ, not by a long shot. My point is he has done NOTHING to improve his game since he came into the league. Another example I can use is Amare Stoudamire. he was all athleticism when he came and excelled with Steve Nash. Once he got hurt he knew he must ev olve his game and now you must honor his jump shot. Josh would excell in an open court offense like Denver or Phoenix but in the East where half court execution takes precedence he is a fish out of water. That’s why ATL will NEVER win a championship because they are content with mediocrity.
So We All Agree
May 24th, 2011
6:53 pm
OK So its Finale. Al Horford doesnt bring much to the table accept hes popular amongst the press. We all agree that Josh is a much better talent than Al no defense horford.
So lets see if any other teams believe Al is an allstar or all nba type player. Perhaps we can get a great center for his sorry ass.
Hey press, see if you can fool the other teams into thinking horford is all that and a bag of chips. I bet they dont fall for that bull chit.
bad mudder frocker
May 24th, 2011
6:53 pm
Ill take josh over Al. Keep Jsmoove grooving in the ATl.
Ditto
May 24th, 2011
7:05 pm
Were not having a problem in the back court for defense. That dog wont hunt. We are having a problem defensively where ever Al horford is standing….
Josh's Problem
May 24th, 2011
7:12 pm
I was at a home game, great seats, behind the bench, and I think I know why Smoove has such a hard time focusing on coach…three words:
BABY MOMMA DRAMA!
I saw three different women with min. of 2 kids each trying to get down and talk to him, stand over my shoulder. One of them told him she had to go because she was out of diapers.
Having lots of kids with multiple (unmarried) women can be a big distraction when they all live in the same city and know each other.
Ditto
May 24th, 2011
7:59 pm
well at least he plays defense!