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
reese
December 13th, 2011
7:44 pm
northcyde, I’m glad that Josh ignored the crowd and kept shooting. Too many times, Marvin and Al would forfeit open shots and throw it to Josh. The frustrating part about Al is that he would be in the lane and kick it back out instead of taking it back up. The funny thing is that Joe would also pass to Josh with the shot clock low. Sometimes defenses are clogging the lane and giving the hawks outside shots. It would be nice if the better shooters could always take the outside shot, but in reality it doesn’t always happen that way. As far as Jamal goes, I’d take 34% 3 pt percentage over 45% 2pt average any day. Why, 1) two point shots are usually contested more and a player is usually more open on a 3 point shot. 2) If you average 12 shots a game, you’d average 12.3 pts a game shoot 3pt at 34%. Whereas, you would average 10.8 points a game shooting 2 pt shots at 45%. But really, the key is to hit the open shots no matter where you are.
PALM BEACH BARON
December 13th, 2011
8:05 pm
Hawks have the same problem they’ve always had since I lived in Atlanta in 1969 – no real star center. We had Wilkins and all we needed was a true center – but they made Kevin Willis play center when he was a power forward, then it was John Contract who would miss 2 dunks for every one he hit and could not make a 3-foot shot. Remember the great Duke star Latner (another PF we made play center) we had trying to play a young Shaq in the playoffs? Now we have Horford playing center when he’s a power forward – HAVE A TRUE CENTER WHO CAN PLAY AND WE CAN WIN IT ALL! Play the BIG lineup every game and stop the stupidity of playing Horford at center!
CGD..
December 13th, 2011
8:10 pm
The Hawks will wrestle for the #1 Seed!
They are going to surprise a few people in Atlanta and throughout the NBA!!!!!!!!!!! Stay Tuned!
jamillion
December 13th, 2011
8:31 pm
I just have one word to all my fellow fans. To bring back jamal is and will only stunt the progression of jeff teague,thus stunting the development of marvin,josh,and al. A ballhog is never good. Its similar to having a gun slinger qb with a stud running back. The studs never gonna shine cuz bret farve jr always gonna throw it
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS
FOR ALL YOU HATERS WHO THINK I’M AN IDIOT, THIS IS TRANSLATED TO: “WHY DO WE HAVE THE EXACT SAME CORE OF PLAYERS EVERY SINGLE YEAR? WHY DO THE PLAYERS SAY THE SAME THING EVERY YEAR BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS? WHY IS JOE ALWAYS CONTENT WITH OUR ROSTER?”
GOD BLESS.
yeahsure
December 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
Keep Josh. Trade the whole lot and get Howard. They supposedly are friends. Then build from there.
hawks
December 13th, 2011
8:49 pm
the club want be worth a damn.
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
9:28 pm
@ Jeff Schultz . . . you’re old enough to have watched Larry Nance and Shawn Kemp play basketball. Tell Josh to emulate those two guys. That is his potential as a basketball player. Not some Sam Perkins wannabe flat footed jumpshooter.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
9:35 pm
Larry Nance and Shawn Kemp were 6′10 Josh is 6′8 and an inside power Small Forward.
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
9:39 pm
@ Reese . . and that’s exactly why Jamal is not here, and didn’t get a lucrative contract.
A 34% three point shooter is not a good three point shooter. And when you take 5 shots a game from that range, it makes it even worse. Jamal simply didn’t play to his strengths.
A 45% long 2 point shooter is an EXCELLENT shooter. Jason Terry led all guards by shooting 47% from that range. Al Horford actually led the NBA from that range, shooting something like 53%.
Shot selection is critical in the NBA. That shooter that takes 12 shots from 3 point range . . and is a 34% shooter . . is only going to make 4 shots. Shooters like that are usually hella streaky and will shoot you right out of the game ( which Jamal does at times . . he’s usually red hot or ice cold ).
A 45% shooter from 2 point range is going to make 6 shots, and probably not miss more than 2 in a row in the process. Think Ray Allen, seeing that he’s a 46% shooter from this range.
On a possession by possession basis, give me the guy who is going to make that 20 footer 45% of the time . . than that guy who will make the 23 footer 34% of the time.
Slimjr
December 13th, 2011
11:49 pm
Rebound Rebound Rebound! ECF ECF ECF
The Hawks are on the cusp of something incredible…
A1 or 2 Seed?Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
adil
December 14th, 2011
12:52 am
If JOSH plays the way he should everynight i am confident that HAWKS will shock the world….the guy is so talented just sometimes he makes poor decitions!!
Had enough
December 14th, 2011
12:53 am
The same old same.
Column: Harrison’s response to suspension, ‘LOL!’ – Atlanta Journal Constitution | NowNews
December 14th, 2011
5:21 am
[...] Can this really be a new Josh Smith for Hawks? [...]
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December 14th, 2011
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[...] Can this really be a new Josh Smith for Hawks? [...]
David Smith
December 14th, 2011
8:25 am
I’m a big fan of Josh and the excitement he brings to the Hawks. Does he takes bad shots at times? Yes mostly because he has to due to the clock running out or if no one else is open. Can he play up to his potential? Absolutely. Josh is a energy player capable of filling out a stat sheet every night and without his defensive presence opposing teams would set camp in the paint against us every game. I hope Josh’s new attitude rubs off on Marvin who deserves more criticism for not playing up to his full capabilities.
Wow
December 14th, 2011
9:57 am
Seriously? There are white thugs too. That wasn’t a racist comment. Chris Andersen looks like a thug too. He’s white. What’s funny is the notion that you would want me banned for that. Get over it. Tolerance only works one way, right?
Nator
December 14th, 2011
10:08 am
New topic for this crew (and, hopefully, Sund): why are we not talking to theMagic about Dwight? We can offer him: great city, his hometown, rising point guard, and at least one other all-star to play with. should be interesting to him, i would think. Just ran a trade through the ESPN trade machine and it works: Al, Josh and Zaza for Dwight and Terkoglu (crappy contract that Orlando would like to shed). I hate losing our guys but i think you have to do what you can to get Dwight. and if we use the amenesty on Marvin, we should be able to sign Dwight long-term. Frankly, I’d rather keep Al than Joe but i don’t think anyone takes Joe’s contract. But how about a core of Dwight, Joe, and Teague (and Hedu as your spot-up shooter)? we are immediately a force and Orlando has to listen to that trade, right? Sund, what are you doing?
jarvis
December 14th, 2011
10:35 am
Love the pic. Smoov is dribbling shoulder high with a grin on his face….could be practice or could be the 4th quarter down by 16.
Ted M
December 14th, 2011
10:50 am
If Josh has in fact lost 25lbs you can’t say “same old same”. Maybe he’ll be what he needs to be nevertheless the Hawks could NEVER get equal value in a trade so you gotta keep him and hope for the best.
Zaziehands
December 14th, 2011
11:32 am
Smith (AKA J-Stupid) is stuck in Atlanta. They have been trying to trade him for 3 years – no takers.
His play is inconsistant, he has shouted profanities at 2 head coaches during the game. He has caused fights with teammates, is a total headcase, and the entire league is aware of it.
Atlanta won’t go far with J-Stupid playing. No one wanted him, we are stuck with this loser.
lea
December 14th, 2011
11:36 am
lol Josh Smith is going to prove all you idiot haters wrong this season watch.
WitStream
December 14th, 2011
12:37 pm
Nice piece Jeff. All I can say is unless Josh picked up about 50football basketball IQ points during the offseason nothing else matters. Call me in May in any event.
Terrell
December 14th, 2011
12:38 pm
@WoW, why is Josh Smith a thug? Is it because of the tattos or is it something else. Do you know what a thug is?
Thug- a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
So you’re saying Smith looks like the that? I noticed you said the same thing thing about Chris Anderson but does having tats mean you look like a thug?
Terrell
December 14th, 2011
12:41 pm
Nator
The problem with that trade is that a few years ago the Magic made it to the finals with a roster that was much better than what we got now. Since they couldn’t win it then what makes you think that if we give up Al and Smith for Howard, how does that help us right away?
Terrell
December 14th, 2011
2:37 pm
Grandmaster JeJe
You’re right that is the definition of insnaity. The problem is that the definition doesn’t apply to this team. we would’ve needed to keep everybody from last year, which we didn’t, and then play the exact same way. Then we would have to play like we did last year for the definition to hold. Two seasons ago we went over 50 wins with this group.
You can’t just chanage for the sake of change that’s insane too. If you keep changing players every year because things aren’t going your way and you end up with the same results every year isn’t that also insane?
Terrell
December 14th, 2011
2:38 pm
insnaity=insanity sorry about the mispelling
dirtyo11
December 14th, 2011
4:18 pm
hawkfan I agree with you. That’s what made MJ the man he took an avg Chicago & help turn them into a powerhouse for many yrs. I would love to see Howard in ATL…repping his home team. Howard is open to go the nets…WHY because they play in NY. Do a sign & trade with Crawford. Send him & JJ or him & Smith to Orlando for Howard.
C-Howard
PF-Horford
SF-Smith
SG-Free agent or trade Williams & Zaza for someone who can play D & avg 8-12pts
PG-Teague
IF WE COULD PULL THAT OFF WATCH OUT NBA
@terrell
December 14th, 2011
5:04 pm
A thug is someone who shouts profanities in public (Josh). A thug is someone who makes masturbation gestures infront of children (Josh).
Smith isn’t bright. You can’t with egocentric thugs.
SALVADOR
December 14th, 2011
7:38 pm
We have to get Samuel Dalembert!!!!!
Stop dreaming about Howard playing for the Hawks!!!!
yodaddybrother
December 14th, 2011
8:38 pm
Smith will take the Hawks to the ECF.
No sarcasm at all
DJTHEDJ
December 14th, 2011
8:54 pm
All Josh need to do is pattern his game after Dr. J’s game and he will be a Super Star, keep prefecting his mid-range jumper, and tahking it to the Hoop, he’ll be Bad News.
Andrew Lipham
December 15th, 2011
1:08 am
GO AFTER SAMUEL DALEMBERT!!!!! WE ARENT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT A TRUE CENTER!!!!!!
bob
December 15th, 2011
7:16 am
maybe if he left his daddy at home and develoed a mature attitude, quit worrying about what the refs say and do, he could help a team.
Ryder
December 15th, 2011
12:21 pm
Atlanta has to realize that their best attack is the fast break, in which Josh Smith excels. Have you noticed that as he goes the team goes with him? Whether we like to admit it or not his performance is a big factor on the Hawks success. It would be nice to see him make the All Star team, but he’s got to realize that his game is best when he’s slashing to the hoop, and perhaps Teague can be that PG who can put him in position to score on a regular basis.
If they can get a consistent flow of JJ on the perimeter, Horford scoring more in the paint, and Josh shooting between 10-15 feet (instead of launching moonrakers) they will be able to keep defenses off course.
Terrell
December 15th, 2011
1:32 pm
@terrell,
That’s not a thug. That’s an immature person. I gave you the webster’s definition of a thug. What you said is moreso of him being immature and not smart with some the decisions he has made. Based on what you said I guess most military people are thugs because they cuss out loud in public? I don’t agree with the language but that doesn’t make you a thug.
tbat
December 16th, 2011
12:04 pm
Josh is a dummie, plain and simple. A dummie can loose 25lbs, but he’s still a dummie. Last year during the Chicago series, Drew told Josh to lay off the 3’s, Josh told Drew to go “F” his mother.
Having been in the military, if you told your commanding officer that, you would be dishonorably discharged – and I’ve never been around any Military personal who cuss with civilians around.
Josh is a immature, low-life, thug. You can’t win with loser like him on your time.
Tom Pinion
December 16th, 2011
5:27 pm
Drew needs to get the boot. He runs the Iso Offense and that is a high school or college playbook. We could be so much better with the right coach, We have 3 point shooters like Joe Johnson and Kirk Hinrich and then we have post players like Josh Smith and Al Horford… That really spreads the floor out but if I was Smith, I would get out of Atlanta, as much as I love him.
Boyz From North Ave
December 17th, 2011
9:26 am
I would rather watch two mules having sex than watch these humps.
Theresa
December 17th, 2011
5:51 pm
He does get talked about aloi because he take shoys he shouldnt take he;s a much better person under the board than outside he does not have a jumper. And without Crawford we are going to need him more. Overpaid Joe should have been the one to get traded no one want to pay a player that kind of money that don/t deserve it. We could have gotten two good player for what they gave him. Its going to be alot of disappointed fans because Crawford is gone,
Mike
December 17th, 2011
6:16 pm
Hawkfan..That’s almost xrated… D Howard at 5 , Horford @ 4 , J smoove @ 3 , Teague @ point. Stop IT!!!!!!
christophorm
December 17th, 2011
11:42 pm
Hawks sinse 79 @ always the bride’s maid but never the bride..getting the old guys stackhouse and mcgrady typical ATL move.
schultz tells good whoppers
December 18th, 2011
2:23 am
Well as i see it we need a true center and point guard n forwards and a new Owners….ASG is barkin up a tree as a Pit Bull chase them wearin a Thrashers jersey as they look down.Folks i say again if anyone wants to protest ASG do this wear all thrashers road n home jersey at Opener n Reg.season Opener and all season by wearin under u shirt are ASG will force u take off….remove top shirt when by Game starts show everyone on Tv here and on espn are ABC ….Thrashers jersey at Phillips arena and if the Owners fuzz takes everyone walk out of arena i mean it let them play before empty seats just there be ushers and owners and Rats who drove Thrashers to Winnipeg..and by way Hawks will be 25-41 for season!
schultz tells good whoppers
December 18th, 2011
2:29 am
D.Howard would not sign with atlanta hawks no fan base here never sold out at home always idiots sold out see Lakers are miami only are dallas(since they won title now) and also due fact three stooges own Hawks still why no one comes here…see owners sit by court with hands in there pants!
gnomeboy
December 20th, 2011
12:58 pm
Only Basketball I care about is watching my Newphews playing Upwards Basketball