What’s Happened to Josh Smith?
J-SmooveIt’d be unfair to say that Josh Smith isn’t living up to expectations at this point in the season, even if his numbers are down across the board. J-Smoove missed 12 games with an ankle injury, and might not trust that axis enough to fully explode off the hardwood right now.
Though we could chalk his slow start up to that injury, Smith’s game is also suffering from another condition, according to FreeDarko.
Haven’t quite figured this one out yet, but Josh Smith needs to stay in motion constantly. Which is sort of the same thing as saying he needs to just study Amare‘s game intensely. He’s not a PF, can’t post up conventionally, and especially with Horford so important, is just getting in the way/wasting his talents when he meanders around the paint trying to get position. Smith needs to always be on his way toward the hoop to be effective. That can involve taking a few dribbles himself, or being hit with a less-than-perfect pass. But what doesn’t work is his starting from a stand-still up top or trying to get his bearings down low, with the ball.
Truth is, his ankle is probably the source of his drop in blocks per game – from 3.24 bpg at this point last year to 2 per game now. But he’s averaging about five points less per night, not only because he hasn’t been able to dole out fitted hats (like he gave to Kendrick Perkins) every single night, but also because defenses might be forcing him to catch the ball when static.
This presents a serious challenge for Mike Woodson. Though his Hawks are currently sitting 4th in the East, imagine what they would be doing if they were getting max production from Smith. So what’s the solution?
Even if he’s a 6-9 PF, should Woodson implement some plays in which Josh runs his man through the hamster wheel to try to catch the ball on the move? Should he make it a priority for the 23-year old to learn the back-to-the-basket post game?
Source: Free Darko
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December 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
K Dizzle says:
he’s not a powerforward, should be tryin to develop his offense to be more Tayshaun like. Don’t know when he got pigeonholed as a 4man, but he’s as much a 4 as Shawn Marion was for Phoenix…
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:53 am
Mr. K1X says:
nothing happened, he has been hurt and a big factor ppl dont realize is that when ur style of play is no longer a surprise to ppl its not as effective
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
karizmatic says:
3. things.
1. The pick and roll is the most underrated yet effective play in basketball. Imagine the devastation a pick and roll involving Smith and Johnson could do.
2. Since Smith is not a true PF and he is not the post up threat on the team he needs to develop a dependable 15 foot jumpshot.
3. Horford needs to get in the weight room and further develop his post game to consistently draw double teams.
If all these things are done or Smith gets traded to the Magic or Rockets, he can maximize his game. If not he would be well advised to get himself in the weight room and develop a variety of dependable post moves. Otherwise he’ll be known as a talented and athletic player and simple defensive force for the entirety of his career. Good player but marginal impact on a game, just like he is now.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
nick says:
Mr. K1X is right. injuries and style of play is really hindering him from an offensive stand point. however his lack of rebounding and defense is of concern. also part of the problem is it almost seems as if josh is the 4th option on the team after jj, bibby and horford.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
?????? says:
What is wrong is Mike Woodson. He posted up twice early against Prince and scored and never touched the ball again in the post. The whole offense is 4 players standing on the perimeter watching JJ dribble the shot clock out. Maybe no one else watches Joe Johnson has at least 85% of the Hawks plays ran for him. When Johnson was hurt Smith avg. 20 and 10. Marvin Williams also raised his play. If Woodson was smart enough to run the ball instead of slowing it down every play the Hawks would win more games.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Kobeef says:
I’ll trow in another variable..HE GOT PAID.
An in a similar twist, Mavin Williams (who can get extended this summer) is getting more shots and putting up better numbers than he has at any other point in his NBA career.
You hate to think players only play for contracts but to an extent it is a motivator and Marvin and Josh are perfect examples.
I said last summer that the Hawks should have signed and traded JSmoove for a true 5 and I still think that was the best option. Marvin is predictably putting up great numbers and shooting really well which makes you wonder if they really needed two 6’9 hyper athletic forwards with 8 figure deals.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
JCARR "K1N6" says:
He’s a SF and i thought he was working on his jump shot… he had a couple games last year where he was nailing 3′s not a great percentage but when they counted. He’s not one dimensional and Mike Woodson should create some plays for him.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Jay says:
I think his flaw is that he’s just not a good scorer. He just doesn’t have great finishing ability and his outside shot is poor. Al Harrington’s another guy cut from the same cloth. They’ll make good fluid moves, spinning and whatnot but when it comes down to then putting the ball in the basket, they’re lacking. He can study Amare’s game as much as he wants, it’s not going to give him Amare’s superb finishing skills and excellent outside touch.
Still, Smith could stand to improve his decision making, like not taking three pointers for instance. No way should he be taking 2.1 threes a game when he’s only making 25 percent of them. Even if the threes aren’t replaced by any other shots, he’ll be helping his team by not adding negative value to his play. Another area I think he should focus on is offensive rebounding. He’s averaging 1.9 offensive boards but he has the ability to bump that into the 3 range. It’s going to take not trying to create his own offense as much and concentrating on rebounding but the putbacks and extra possessions should make him more valuable.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
dagwaller says:
This is why I’m glad that he didn’t get paid a bjillion dollars this summer. Not that I don’t like him, or think that he has a lot of potential. But right now, he’s a limited player, one that relies too much on his athleticism. Atlanta fans, next time you see a scouting report on someone that says, “yea, he’s good, but he’s not athletic enough,” please stick up for him – he’s the Bizarro World Josh Smith.
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
shakazulu12 says:
I have never thought of him as PF and don’t know why he is being placed into that mold. However, as a SF he needs to work on his mid range jumper, and his ability to create. He is definitely strong enough and athletic enough to get a good shot, just doesn’t seem to know how to create one in a half court set yet.
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
YOUNGFED..."Just too show off I hang my wrist out the window" says:
“Cocain is a helluva drug.” lol
Ok but seriously they playin’ dude out of position.
Oh almost forgot 11TH!!!! lmao
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
E$ says:
It was all good when he dunked on Perk
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
I agree with karizmatic about the pick n roll, would be perfect for Smith but he needs to be more consistent from 14-18 feet out.
The kid has mad potential, as does the whole team, but they really need a true PF and better back up at the point.
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Big pink pig says:
At least they did not pay him 80 mil. like Deng and Iggy got
December 22nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Diego says:
Man, I am telling ya’, the guy IS a power forward. If he truly is a small forward, then he is a pure crappy one–he lacks the handle, is a turnover machine and has no jump shot, other than a set 3-pointer that comes and goes. But he usually is a very solid power forward. I watch a ton of Hawks games and J Smoove is not a small forward. Marvin is; Chill was; and even Mo is.
Clearly, Smoove’s ankle is way less than 100%. He does not have the lift of prior years at all. (And Horford is a damn good center in today’s NBA world, although he also would be a fine power forward. I could live with him as the Hawks center for many years to come.)