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There's always alot of talk about him putting this team on his back and carrying them, but this last game was the first time I felt you could actually sense him take over a game.

It was tangible, you could feel it... he refused to let his team lose. That's what it means to me to carry your team. Not just being the leading scorer, but imposing your will on the other team. Before this, he was either on or he was off scoring wise, but the team would win or lose without much resistance from our leader.

But Saturday.... I was so proud of him!

I've lost hope regarding JJ willing this team to the playoffs. That's why we are paying him the big bucks, but I just don't see him doing that, he isn't good enough to do it and doesn't appear to want to try.

JoshB914 wrote:I've lost hope regarding JJ willing this team to the playoffs. That's why we are paying him the big bucks, but I just don't see him doing that, he isn't good enough to do it and doesn't appear to want to try.

Funny you would say that after he dropped 39. Not to mention it was the 4th game in 5 nights and he had played big minutes in every game.

Over the last 10 games JJ is shooting 50%...... from 3.

It's not even criticism, I'm just saying he's not going to be the player JJforprez and many of us want him to be. Can you honestly say you have faith in him to put this team on his back and lead them to the playoffs? I don't think he can do that.

JoshB914 wrote:I've lost hope regarding JJ willing this team to the playoffs. That's why we are paying him the big bucks, but I just don't see him doing that, he isn't good enough to do it and doesn't appear to want to try.

I'm fighting the urge to give up on him becoming that kind of player... One game doesn't mean he's suddenly changed into the leader we need him to be, but he's shown me he's capable of playing at that level.... can he turn the corner? I sure hope so.

I hope so too. But I've been upset we haven't seen that side of JJ for two years now, so I'm not getting my hopes up.

JoshB914 wrote:It's not even criticism, I'm just saying he's not going to be the player JJforprez and many of us want him to be. Can you honestly say you have faith in him to put this team on his back and lead them to the playoffs? I don't think he can do that.

Making the playoffs in the east isn't that big of a deal. But clearly this team has had big problems at the point and those problems haven't gone away. Bibby is hobbled, Acie is out and Salim sucks.

But there is no question that JJ has been getting his game back on track and after watching him last season i haven't lost faith in him at all. Clearly he has had an off year but you can't have a career year every year.

I have to agree.... he really hasn't shown it up to now.

I was very happy for him. He was upset about the way WE played in Charlotte the night before. It's sad he hasn't had any help latelly. We got Marvin that seems to be lost and can't buy a basket these days, a hurt PG, and a crazy PF that either gets in foul trouble or come up with stupid plays. I was so glad to see him on the bench in that 4th quarter, but then he comes in and guess what ??!?!?!? we were up by 2, with the ball, less than 2 minutes, you want a high % shot, right ? That out-of-control comes up with a f*** jump shot from the FT line. Of course he missed it. The only guy helping him is Horford. He's still learning, but that kid is a present none of us ever thought the Hawks could get. I remember some people not that long ago saying that J. Brick was our best player. I mean, you have to be out of your mind to even consider that thought.

I still say Smoove has been our best player this season. But at this point, JJ needs to be our best player if we want to win.

Smith needs a coach who can keep him on a short leash and stop him from doing his Jason Kidd or Rashard Lewis impersonations. He has shown that he clearly isn't able to use good judgement on his own.

tontoz wrote:Smith needs a coach who can keep him on a short leash and stop him from doing his Jason Kidd or Rashard Lewis impersonations. He has shown that he clearly isn't able to use good judgement on his own.

+ a half-court offensive philosophy that doesn't have him near the perimeter.

conleyorbust wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



+ a half-court offensive philosophy that doesn't have him near the perimeter.

Agreed.... Josh Smith suffers from bad coaching. The guy's got talent, but here's a kid that came straight out of HS with poor fundamentals, and Woodson's the only coach he's ever had at this level. What he's accomplished so far has been by pure athletic ability. But he's not the only kid who came into the league with no fundamental skills, he's just not had a coach good enough to develop him.

Jjforprez wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Agreed.... Josh Smith suffers from bad coaching. The guy's got talent, but here's a kid that came straight out of HS with poor fundamentals, and Woodson's the only coach he's ever had at this level. What he's accomplished so far has been by pure athletic ability. But he's not the only kid who came into the league with no fundamental skills, he's just not had a coach good enough to develop him.

To be fair, its not like he hasn't been a great player for us anyway. Look at guys like G. Green who came out of high school with just as much potential.