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Josh Smith, at age 30, is un-signed in late August.

This is incredible for those that remember where Smith was just three years ago, when he was an integral part of the Atlanta Hawks' core which returned them to the postseason in 2008. In fact, he helped the Hawks make the playoffs every year until he left as a free agent in 2013.

Smith is basically out of the league at this point. In 2010 and 2011, Smith put up All-Star caliber seasons in which he was a terror on both sides of the ball, despite his penchant for jumpers which caused the fans to scream "No!"

It is shocking that we're here. Smith continues to sit on the market, with no real reports of any interest in him.

The reasons for Josh Smith's fall from NBA grace aren't immediately known. There's talk of attitude and basketball IQ, of decision making and diminished athleticism after he spent so many years in the league after being drafted out of high school.

Smith isn't the first player to fall off like this, and he won't be the last. But he should serve as a reminder to NBA fans of how fleeting success can be in the league...

atlantabbq99 wrote:Smoove has his flaws, but his athleticism has gone down since leaving the Pistons. His tweener build and lack of speed now has really hurt his defense, which is fine for a 30yr pro athlete. Alot of super athletes like Smoove don't last long, like Rose, Steve Francis, Murbery, Dominique, Penny. The only super athlete i can think of off the top of my head that has had a long career is Vince Carter, and Vince was able to survive his decline in athleticism because he focused on his 3pt shooting and is now an above average 3pt shooter.

Smoove's career arch is nothing new. I expect him to play a few years in China or Europe before he officially retires.

willywazza wrote:He needs to really focus on developing his shooting to extend his career.

Otherwise, it's going to get even messier.

atlantabbq99 wrote:Smoove has his flaws, but his athleticism has gone down since leaving the Pistons. His tweener build and lack of speed now has really hurt his defense, which is fine for a 30yr pro athlete. Alot of super athletes like Smoove don't last long, like Rose, Steve Francis, Murbery, Dominique, Penny. The only super athlete i can think of off the top of my head that has had a long career is Vince Carter, and Vince was able to survive his decline in athleticism because he focused on his 3pt shooting and is now an above average 3pt shooter.

Smoove's career arch is nothing new. I expect him to play a few years in China or Europe before he officially retires.

DirtybirdGA wrote:He's going overseas probably, done in the nba.

justicewinslow wrote:I wonder what went through his head after coaches and teammates told him time and time again to not shoot. Like its insanity to do something over and over again expecting a different result...right?

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Josh Smith wrote:I’m not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made. It’s something that I have done wrong to now be figuring out my next move and figuring out what I need to do to be better. Even yoga this summer has helped me become one with my spirit, body and mind. I’ve done things to take steps toward bettering myself, having patience.

I have a lot left to give to this game.

I’m not a guy who feels like I have to start or play 30 minutes a night anymore. I wish for an opportunity to be able to contribute, to be a positive guy around the locker room. It has been missing from me. I’m not doubting it.

Josh Smith wrote:The perception of me seemed to start early on with Atlanta, but after Detroit, it left people completely puzzled. People didn’t understand how it happened, how I was let go. It just didn’t fit. But wherever I have gone in development situations, I have been able to be on winning teams.

When I came to Atlanta, we were at the bottom. Al Horford came, and we made it a consistent playoff team. When I went to Houston [in 2015] after Detroit, we made it to the Western Conference finals...I played impactful minutes for us to get to those platforms.

jayu70 wrote:Letting Josh walk was an underrated move by the Hawks.
Since Detroit dumped him he has not recovered. He will spend the rest of his career on 1 year deals.

MaceCase wrote:He spent his playing days trying to become a 3/stretch 4 to extend his career only to have it that had he stuck to his actual skillset he'd be a perfect small ball 5.

Yungsta404 wrote:IMO if Smoove didn't have such a terrible attitude and just consistently played hard, he could atleast be a bench big some where in the league. I don't think hes so bad to the point he doesn't deserve a roster spot.

Look at guys like Lance Stephenson and JR Smith. Neither of them have a team. Although Smoove doesn't have near the off court problems that those guys has but just having a terrible attitude and burning bridges with coaches/coaching personnel goes a long way in the league. Having someone in the room to go bat for you when the staff is evaluating who they should give an opportunity to is huge.