Can this really be a new Josh Smith for Hawks?
Josh Smith shed 25 pounds and is down to 225, the lightest he has been since being drafted.
When the playoffs ended last season, Josh Smith was ready to say goodbye to Atlanta. The excitement he felt by the Hawks’ postseason success (beating Orlando, throwing a scare into Chicago) was tempered by the anger of once again being the lightning rod for criticism, seemingly every time something went wrong.
The extreme ups and downs of his career with the Hawks had worn on him, just as it had worn on so many who watched him. As Smith put it, “When you’ve been in one place for a while, it crosses your mind: Maybe I want to get lost. Punch the GPS a few times.
“I’ve been here a long time. I’ve never lashed out at the organization. All I ask for sometimes is, when I raise my hand, maybe somebody can help me up, so I’m not always the person who’s trying to [defend me from criticism]. It would be nice if somebody else said, ‘This guy’s a pretty good player.’”
Smith said he never asked to be traded. But he would not have screamed if it had happened.
Yet, when the Hawks opened the gym following the NBA lockout, guess who was the first player to show up? Guess who lost 25 pounds this summer, changing his workouts, changing his diet, running in the Hollywood hills?
Guess who worked on his mid-range jumper — from 16 feet, not Neptune — and was determined to get faster and quicker so he could excel against the league’s small forwards, after seeing a lot of time at the 3-spot in the playoffs?
Josh Smith showed up to training camp a different guy. He weighs 225, the lightest he has been since turning pro in 2004. After only a few days of drills, coach Larry Drew said, “He’s getting off his feet a lot quicker, getting to the rim and exploding, even more than he has in the past.
“I’m seeing and hearing a passion I haven’t seen before.”
Smith's performance (23 points, 16 rebounds) in game four against Chicago carried the Hawks. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
I know. It’s early. But maybe this year is different.
Smith knows he deserves criticism at times. He acknowledged during the playoffs, “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.”
He makes a valid point. But his mistakes are magnified because his extreme athletic ability reminds us of potential. Also because he can be both the best and worst player on the court at any given moment.
Smith likes playing for Drew. There are far fewer public battles than there were with Mike Woodson.
“It was a great change,” Smith said. “Nothing against Woody but Larry Drew’s a better fit for me. Totally different. Larry knows how to handle a person like a man. If he has something to say to you, he’ll bring you into the office and have it out with you in there instead of playing it out in front of everybody.”
One exception came after Game 2 in the second round against Chicago. Drew publicly criticized Smith for taking too many jump shots and not moving his feet. Smith wasn’t happy. A few nights later, after a stellar performance in Game 4 against the Bulls (23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists), Smith referenced public criticism, saying, “The media is trying to T.O. me.”
This is what Smith believes gets lost amid all of that drama: He wants to win.
“When we won that first game [against Chicago], just knowing that we were that close to being in the Eastern Conference finals, I felt more passionate than ever,” he said. “I felt we had an opportunity to do something special.
“I’ve been in the league a while. My main concern now is winning. I want to win, no matter what the cost is. I want to be one of the elite teams in this league. My window isn’t closing, but it’s slowly going down. Before I get out of here, I want to accomplish some things.”
We’ll see where this goes.
Smith is saying and doing all the right things. If he’s is serious, the Hawks will benefit. If not, it might be time to punch the GPS.
By Jeff Schultz
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145 comments Add your comment
Wow
December 13th, 2011
3:53 pm
He looks like a thug with those tattoos. Good grief.
Maurice
December 13th, 2011
3:53 pm
Josh be Josh. There are no set plays run for him close to the basket. Those are usually for Horford. Josh is the X man. He seems to have free reign of the court. Not his fault. He also is the one to always make up for his team mates lack of defense, leaving his man open. Not his fault. To have a passionate man on my hometeam is a blessing and a curse. So he gets hot headed at times. I would rather have someone wear there emotions about losing than being robotic and acting like it’s ok. It’s not. Maybe Josh doesn’t have Lebron potential, but Lebron has his own issues. We don’t want Josh Smith associating with it.
mountain_jim
December 13th, 2011
3:54 pm
You trade Josh, you got to remove the name ‘The Highlight Factory’
Because it’s Josh that brings those highlights and that excitement to the Hawks, much more than the other players. imo.
Bonez
December 13th, 2011
3:55 pm
Wow=Racist
Mr. Schultz u know wat to do
Sol
December 13th, 2011
3:58 pm
are you kidding me? we can not even bring back Jamel for $5 mil. That the reason players like Dwight Howard do not want to come and play for their home town team because they want to play for great owners, not a group who cheaps a few mil. Each to buy a team. Bring back Jamel we need back up point guard any way then we can trade Kirk when he is healthy.
JIM
December 13th, 2011
4:01 pm
i cannot believe dwight doesn’t even list us as a team to be traded to.
you just lost the ATL man!!!!!
Hawk to the Tawp.
December 13th, 2011
4:03 pm
ASG needs to pay the luxury tax if they want to win. They need to sign a back up SG/SF. Any idea if the Arenas rumors are true?
AGTFan53
December 13th, 2011
4:04 pm
I’ve often wondered about the Josh Smith haters. He is the most frustrating player on the Hawks, but he’s also the most exciting player on the Hawks. I like the idea of him working on his midrange jumper. He doesn’t need to be a 3 point shooter. If he can make enough midrange shots to make defenders come out that far, he becomes much more dangerous. He’s never been a slacker. He’s played when he was physically less than 100%. Frankly, he and Al are the only 2 draft picks that have really made a difference. (I think Teague is going to this season or next.) I can understand the frustration that he causes. I can’t understand the out and out hate some people seem to feel for him.
theight
December 13th, 2011
4:07 pm
This needs to be his time right now. Not too many lefties remain stars for too long or have that all-star potential very long. I also think the only person that can take Josh to the next level in Hakeem. Josh always seem to learn something new every season and his b-ball IQ is getting better and better each season. With all of that being said, he is still the only player on this team worth watching. Maybe Teague if he becomes the full time starter and T-Mac if he can come half way to what he used to be.
Hollywould
December 13th, 2011
4:07 pm
Rollo is correct. I will cut Smith some slack as when jj quits the dribble game and passes it to Josh with 2 secs left there is not much else he can do but throw it up.
Buckeye
December 13th, 2011
4:11 pm
In the case of the NBA, I happen to agree with Obama, tax the crap out of these M&B’s.
Otherwise, I agree with Obama on nada, zilch, zip.
joe kill
December 13th, 2011
4:19 pm
josh smith is a big time piece for this team all the people that want him traded shutup hes a great player and apart of this great young core we have come on people GO Hawks!
Terrance Leake
December 13th, 2011
4:21 pm
Every time I attend a hawks game the crowd including myself screams whenever he shoots a jump shot. His post moves are superior to many others at his position. I’ll be content with the 16 footers if he knocks them down at a consistent rate. He needs to play to his strengths. In my estimation J-smoove has yet to reach his ceiling. Go Hawks!!!!
basketball biltong
December 13th, 2011
4:22 pm
Atlanta spirit group needs to punch the gps and take-off.
Vol4ever
December 13th, 2011
4:25 pm
Bonez – are you serious? GTHO for the racist comment.
Chris Paul – Now there is a star! To bad the ASG will not trade for him.
Karen
December 13th, 2011
4:36 pm
I may be crazy, but sign me up for some of that action! Go Hawks!!
timthebrave
December 13th, 2011
4:39 pm
I’ll watch on the tv hoping Josh Smith lives up to his potential but the Spirit Group won’t see another dollar from me
atlnative
December 13th, 2011
4:40 pm
Josh Smith,stop whining when you commit fouls,and make better decisions with the basketball.You are not a three point shooter,Reggie Miller is.Play defense and use your length to dominate!
busterbrave
December 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
i’ve always have been amazed why one of the best defensive platers in the league has gotten so much criticism here in atlanta.he has made strides in all aspects of his game,sure he has made mistakes like many young players,but he has always caught more of the brunt of criticism than any other player.i have confidence in josh smith,always had; and believe in his new approach.let the young man play,get off him.
Alan Hochbaum
December 13th, 2011
4:55 pm
I wouldn’t blame Josh for falling asleep at times on the court. It’s hard to stay involved for the 20 Joe Johnson “black holes” the ball.
Baddabing
December 13th, 2011
5:01 pm
Yes, Josh takes bad shots but worse he sulks and doesn’t hustle when things don’t go his way. His body language is awful and wears on the other guys, it’s easy to see. I hope he’s matured and will be the player we all hope and know he could be. The reduced weight and new attitude is a good start and if he is more competent with a mid range jumper then he becomes more of a threat that will help everyone else’s game. JJ is due a break out year, but the key to the Hawks season is Teague. If he plays like he did against Chicago the Hawks will have a very good year.
Whopper Dawg
December 13th, 2011
5:04 pm
Good for him, hope he keeps it up. He could be a dominating player if he wanted, but it ain’t easy.
Peter
December 13th, 2011
5:07 pm
Unfortunately they don’t have a center, or proven leader…… JJ is a sometime show.
Perhaps with luck.these guys make a move in the playoffs, of course they have to get in first.
Texas Pete
December 13th, 2011
5:13 pm
I’d still trade Joe Johnson and Al Horford before Josh Smith.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
5:17 pm
Why should Howard want to come here?
No matter if you put Josh as the 3rd big (SF) or the 2nd big (PF) He and Josh play the same position. INSIDE.
So then you throw Horford in there? Someone has to be moved.
The formula is SF Smith inside, PF shooter outside, center inside.
Smith + shooter + Dwight would work but not Horford + Smith +Dwight. Smith would have to be outside, to let them play inside.
This is what Larry Drew said about Josh + a stretch 4.
“He’s a four that can really stretch the defense,” Drew said. “I did a lot of homework on him. With Joe’s ability to force double teams, having that four that can go out there and stretch it, it gives you an added weapon. Tracy is a really good passer and you put him with the ball in position where he can operate, teams have to collapse their defenses on him [too]. With Radmanovic, he’s a guy that lives at the 3-point line.”
Coaches know they will have to pick between Josh + shooter + center and Horford + Marvin + center.
Unless Smith morphs into a superstar I think Horford will return a higher quality shooter and a center. And if Smith does finally put his inside and midrange jumper together why would you trade him?
Trade AL! Get Josh + a better stretch 4 than Vlad (Leuer) + Andrew Bogut. It makes the most sense.
reese
December 13th, 2011
5:23 pm
I’ve been a Josh Smith supporter for years and I have enjoyed watching him impact a game multiple ways (block shots, help defense, steals, 3 point shots made late in games, precision passes and consistent double digit scoring). Face it, aggressive play will sometimes produce turnovers, forced shots and mental mistakes. There is no need to trade Josh Smith.
I’ve been a season ticket holder the past 2 1/2 years and this is what I’ve seen. The hawks do not have a low post presence. Marvin and Zaza are poor help defenders. Zaza has trouble making open layups and any kinda shot near the rim. Marvin, Zaza and Al are not aggressive offensively. Therefore, the need for Josh to take last second shots (which I’m sure he doesn’t mind). Josh needs to work on making his free throws and improve his dribbling. Joe Johnson is not worth 20 mil a year. He cannot consistently impact a game on the defensive or offensive end. He doesn’t earn the respect of the refs and therefore doesn’t get the close call. Kirk Heinrich is overrated and this team should not have both Jason Collins and Zaza. Neither are not athletic, neither can score consistently, neither can play help defense and neither are that good of a re-bounder.
With all that said, I’ve enjoyed watching the games at the arena. My favorites to watch were Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith. Jamal because he was not afraid to shoot, not afraid to challenge any superstar in the league, excellent ball handling skills, ability to penetrate an make shots or pass to an open man and he had the respect of the refs. Does any one have more 4 point plays that Jamal. Josh, because he was a force on both the offensive and defensive end.
My advice for the hawks, bring in Arenas if he is healthy, resign Jamal and acquire an athletic big man. Get rid of Zaza or Collins, Marvin and Kirk. Go Hawks, I’ll be watching you on TV this year.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
5:26 pm
FIRE SUND
FIRE ASG
AMNESTY ASG
J
December 13th, 2011
5:28 pm
mountain jim is dead on
SportsGirl
December 13th, 2011
5:29 pm
I love Josh Smith! Do your thing dude, let’s get to the playoffs again!
J
December 13th, 2011
5:29 pm
seriously, i laugh everytime i read “the spirit group won’t receive another dollar from me” … quit your whining already
Fairplay
December 13th, 2011
5:30 pm
“My windows isn’t closing, but it’s slowing going down.” What?
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
5:40 pm
Josh . . you can’t have it both ways man.
If you want to be the star of the team, you have to endure the criticism that comes along with it.
When the crowd booed you guys off the court in Game 3 of the 2010 Orlando series ( but mainly directed at Joe Johnson, which continued into Game 4 ), JJ knew that it came with the territory.
When people get onto you for taking a jumper, especially after you’ve already missed 3 out of 4, of course they’re going to boo. You’re a career 28% three point shooter. You had a good shooting percentage from 16 – 23 feet last year ( 39% ), but you tailed off dramatically from that range as the season came to a close, and got even worse during the playoffs.
The only thing that’s preventing you from being an All-Star, is your belief . . no . . your want to prove that you CAN make jumpshots. So you take jumper, after jumper, after jumper. You get on a little hot streak with the jumpers, and you want everybody to pat you on the back. But when you miss 4 in a row, you expect the crowd to stay silent? NOOOOOOOO can do Josh.
The reason why YOU get booed and get yelled at, is because the fans in Atlanta actually CARE about you. They actually WANT to see you succeed and reach your potential. And they know that you can’t reach your potential by taking jumpers.
See Josh . . if you watch the clip I’m about the post, I GUARANTEE YOU that if you were Shawn Kemp in this clip, that you would’ve caught that ball and shot that flat foot 20 foot jumper, because you would’ve been wide open. You’d shoot that ball hoping it will go in. IF it did . . great. If it didn’t, it’ll simply give the fans more reason to believe that you’ll never get it.
But watch the clip i’m about to post, and what Shawn Kemp does with the ball when he catches it at 20 feet and wide open.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgnNORzOeU8
Stuart
December 13th, 2011
5:44 pm
I am definitely glad Josh has shed a few pounds, as it will help him in the long run: he will still be relatively fresh toward the end of the season and into the playoffs. However, being only 225, it worries me for the games he is set up to play the 4. A power forward who is only 225? It will be tough to defend the other ones and tough to back down to the basket on offense, which is what he needs to be doing. So, as long as he can still stand his post, not allowing the heavier guys to back down to the basket, and as long as he doesn’t become an outside shooter, then his weight loss will be a plus, especially if he gets more of his explosion back.
Really truly
December 13th, 2011
5:46 pm
Anything this team does will be in spite of and without the help of their ownership which could very well be the worst in all of professional sports.
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
5:46 pm
LOL Reese . . . your favorites were the two guys on the team who REFUSED to play to their strengths. Because as much as people get onto Josh about his outside shooting, Jamal Crawford could EASILY be a better player, if he laid off of the threes as well.
Jamal took more three pointers, than he took long 2 pointers . . . despite the fact that he only shot 34% from three . . but 45% from long 2 range. This is the reason why Jamal was so inconsistent last year. He was either red hot or ice cold, simply because of his shot selection. He had the handles to get anywhere he wanted to on the court.
Jamal was brilliant in the Orlando series for the most part . . but absolutely horrible in the Chicago series ( outside of Game 1 ).
Honestly, Jamal has the same problem as Josh Smith. Both guys REFUSE to play to their strengths as offensive basketball players.
Ironically, both could be much better players than what they are ( or perceived to be ), if they simply drastically reduced the ill advised shots.
D-Man
December 13th, 2011
5:48 pm
Hope J-Smoove means it, cause if so the Hawks can take it to the next level. We’re stuck with what we have and the only way to improve is for guys like Josh to take their game to the next level. He coulda and shoulda wasily been an All-Star by now and he knows it. Additionally, I agree with him 100% about Woody, he was not user friendly at all (I’ve seen his practices) and yes they’re all grown men but I think even the Pat Riley’s, Popoviches, and even Phil Jacksons knew they had to handle some guys differently (whether they liked it or not) in order to make things work – that’s what REAL leaders do. Woody was ego-tripping, had a itty demeanor, and stubborn so blasting a youngster like Josh wasn’t working,and hadn’t work for wayyyy to many years for him to keep going that route and he lost not only Smoove but the whole team. No one likes getting called out no matter what these internet tough guys here will claim. You wouldn’t care for it at your job, so please don’t expect someone making millions to like it right or wrong. Anyway, I can’t wait to see Teague get a full season of a go at it. I believe he will make this team better the way Acie Law could have if, again, stubborn azz Woody would have given him a chance. Now we may have that legit point we’ve been missing. Another year of an improved Horford,plus a new Josh (fingers crossed) along with hopefully a deeper bench (please don’t lose J Crawford) and the Hawks could be moving up…at least I hope so.
GO HAWKS!!!
Jeff
December 13th, 2011
5:52 pm
Josh is like Vick; you pay to watch him play because you know something special can happen…what I want to know is how is Joe looking?
NBA PM: Hawks Embrace Josh Smith at hoops227.org
December 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
[...] means you, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony). The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jeff Schultz pointed out that Smith has moved his jump shot in from 3-point range (where he is a career 28.2% shooter) to [...]
ATLien
December 13th, 2011
5:54 pm
The haters are going to hate. But Josh Smith has been a great player for years. And has been pretty much a model citizen that has done his home town proud. Problem his, his hometown is here in Atlanta and the few real Atlanta fans get drowned out by Johnny Carpetbagger, who’s real team is somewhere up north, but feels compelled to come on the AJC blogs and rip the Hawks and anyone who ever suits up for them.
Looks like Josh has re-focused. I hear Al spent the offseason working on post moves. I like the veteran bench on the cheap that is being put together. Hopefully Joe will finally stop trying to prove he’s a max contract guy. For good or bad Joe, you’ve got the deal. Now, just go back to that guy who used to get 6 or 7 boards a game while dishing out 6-7 assists and just the scoring come. You know, the guy you used to be when you first got here.
Bill Walton
December 13th, 2011
6:03 pm
What AGAIN? How many times are you going to say this head case is going to change? He’s a medicore player that costs his team more games than he helps win
John Wooden
December 13th, 2011
6:06 pm
Atlanta has a pro basketball team????? Who knew?
WE OWN TECH!
December 13th, 2011
6:11 pm
Joe Johnson is the reason we didnt get further in the playoff! My god, We gave him a ridiculous contract for mediocre numbers!!!!!!!!
OldTmer
December 13th, 2011
6:15 pm
Really? The dude’s got no A-game. Is this column sponsored by the Hawks? Feels like a pop-up ad.
jeff
December 13th, 2011
6:25 pm
Smith is one of my favorite players and I hope he stays put and helps lead the Hawks to a title. The guy’s ability is off the charts and he wants to win. Sure he makes mistakes — but everyone does. I just don’t get the constant criticism …
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
6:42 pm
ASG SUCKS
YOU GUYS SCARE AWAY ALL POTENTIAL SUPERSTARS
IMHO
December 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
JS has lots of skill to go with lack of fundementals and basketball IQ.
skyhawk1
December 13th, 2011
6:55 pm
I love his bullet passes into the 7th row and up. lol
ntrigue
December 13th, 2011
6:59 pm
Josh Smith is the overall best Hawk all hands down! If Josh was gone that would translate into 15-20 less wins a season guaranteed! Everybody talks after he has a bad gm but no one says anything when he single handidly takes over the ball game on offense and defense! If hawks trade Josh it will hurt them just like it did when we traded Nique!
Nate D
December 13th, 2011
7:00 pm
I actually think getting rid of Jamal was for the best for salary. I like the moves we made towards the bench when Hinrich comes back i think the bench will be better than last year if Jeff teague plays like he did last year and Marvin actually comes around we be going far in the playoffs. My Question is why would Dwight not want to come here?
John
December 13th, 2011
7:42 pm
Great stuff again by Jeff….saw this article about Smooth maybe playing the 3-spot…could Dalembert be headed to the ATL???
http://blognbasketball.com/2011/12/hawks-should-go-big-sign-dalembert/