RealGM

Posted: **Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:58 am**

Before going down to an ankle injury that could sideline him for up to a month, the Hawks' Josh Smith was starting to show the kind of defensive prowess that could help turn Atlanta into a force down the road.

Smith's defense against David West was instrumental in the Hawks winning in New Orleans last week. The win already gave Atlanta two road victories (the other came in Orlando) after the Hawks posted just 12 road wins last season. Their goal for the season is 17.

"Josh has the ability to be a Scottie Pippen or a Ben Wallace because he's so athletic and he wants to be a great defensive player," said Atlanta GM Rick Sund before Smith's injury put a damper on the Hawks' 4-0 start. "Josh could be a future All-Star just on the basis of his defense, if we can continue to have him focus on that role."

Combined with Joe Johnson's scoring and ability to take over late in games, Johnson and Smith could give the Hawks impact players at both ends.

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Posted: **Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:03 pm**

The part that stuck out to me was "if we can continue to have him focus on that role".

Posted: **Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:39 am**

^ He seems to though, to my untrained eye. He plays HARD and passionately on both ends of the floor. It's awesome to watch in person. I almost expect him to block everything. He's playing much better on-ball defense this year so far as well. Bummer about the ankle...maybe that explains the flat atmosphere Friday night at Phillips?

Posted: **Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:38 pm**

Added to Smith's defense, we can see that the team defense shows good numbers.

More than the opponent pts allowed, depending on the tempo, the good numbers are opp. FG% and opp. 3pt% , this last point being important when you remember some losses of last season due to 3pts shots rain.

Hope everybody can stay focused like that...

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