Josh Smith: Keep Risin’ to the Top

With season stats of 15.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.2 bpg, 1.5 spg, Josh Smith’s impact on the Hawks can pretty easily be told…or at least it would seem so.

But his impact on the 4th place eastern Conference team has been far greater than that.

Coming out of basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy by way of McEachern High School (Powder Springs, GA), Smith was selected 17th in the 2004 NBA Draft.  His athleticism was top notch.  And Smith did some outstanding things with it.  Smith led all rookies in blocked shots, averaging 1.9 per game (12th in the NBA).  Most notably, Josh won the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk competition.  However, much of his rookie and sophomore season, J-Smoove looked lost of the court.  It was painfully obvious that Smith’s instincts had to be honed if he wanted to stick in the league.

The Hawks seemed to be headed nowhere fast – and passed on selecting a point guard in the following draft…a move that was highly questioned by analysts.  They did manage to sign up-and-coming, free-agent swingman Joe Johnson, to whom they quickly gave the keys to the organization.  This move proved to be vital to Atlanta’s success.  Over the next couple of years, a team that was initially selfish and unfocused began to grow together through their trials on the hardwood.

Smith’s game was beginning to take flight.  His statistics in 2006-2007, were the type that we would expect from someone with his physical gifts.  Smith’s well-rounded contributions helped a young team push themselves to stay positive.

Smith's unbelievable atleticism allowed him to make a name for himself during his early NBA seasons.

Fast forward to today.  In the last two seasons, the Hawks are consistent playoff participants – but what has been driving their success year after year?

Joe Johnson’s versatility?  Jamal Crawford’s clutch performance? 

While both of the above parties have led the team to a 32-17 record, the true catalyst has been Josh Smith.  Smith is doing everything on the court, and has matured to the point that he will make passes even if the recipient isn’t in immediate scoring position.  He’s knocked down his 3-point attempts considerably and is focusing on doing more damage to his opponents in the paint.  And Smith is great at finding the game-changing or game-winning opportunities.  He has blocked shots to seal games, tip the game winner into the basket for a close win.   

One night, Smith will have 8 assists.  The next night, he’ll have 15 rebounds - then, follow that up with 7 blocks and you’d be totally frustrated to find out what his specialty is.  But his focus has been on playing basketball – and doing what it takes to be a better player.

So far so good…right, ATL fans??