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Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 2:27 pm
by HMFFL
Josh Smith wants to get back to being the “old Josh.”
The Josh who runs the floor, rebounds, blocks shots and scores in dramatic fashion.
The Josh who played like one of the league’s most dynamic players in the Hawks’ first four games of the season.
His team, ankles deep in a string of six straight home games, including New Orleans Monday night at Philips Arena, could use a lot more of the Smith who showed up for Saturday’s seismic win over Detroit.
The Hawks swept the Pistons in a season series for the first time in 15 years and did so convincingly with Smith playing a leading role.
Smith was at his best in the win over the Pistons, leading the Hawks with 19 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and two assists the night after being benched by Hawks coach Mike Woodson for the second half of a loss in Charlotte.
“I just wanted to establish myself early in that game the same way I’ve wanted to this whole season,” he said. “I wanted to get back to being the old Josh. I needed to get our there and play with that confidence and have some fun again. That’s what this whole team needs.”
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/spo ... 7&cxcat=21
Re: Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 4:05 pm
by LL Cool Scott
Please god, let him be serious this time...
Re: Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 4:36 pm
by conleyorbust
I don't buy the contract theory because he's certainly given the requisite effort at key times like before he got injured and the period after he had recovered a bit. The other thing is that when dudes get the contract and then chill, they generally seem content - not Smith, he seems downright pissed almost all the time. Its obviously mental though, something put him in a downward spiral where poor rebounding led to bad FTs led to...
Is it Woody? No clue there. Just hope he can snap out of it. He probably needs a couple good performances in a row. Those FTs were an encouraging sign though.
Re: Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 8:44 pm
by parson
Since I recently said he has problems focusing, I'll have to agree.
My theory is that he has to shoot to be involved in the game. Look at the other night, he shot about 1-for-3 (6-17) -- which is poor, I concede -- but it got him involved in all the other facets of the game. Maybe he's been trying to NOT shoot too much and it's been putting him on his heels.
I still say he should be our 6th man for awhile. During each game, let him play SF when the matchup favors him and let him play PF when he has the advantage there. Let him come in and be instant offense and defense, flying around dunking and blocking shots.
That way, we can work Horford and Marvelous into the game in their best positions and still cater to Smoove the way he needs.
It would mean we play Zaza more and Evans less, but what the hey?
Re: Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 8:52 pm
by JoshB914
I think Josh was a little to concerned with his offensive game. He looked like he wanted to become a 20 PPG guy this season, and in turn his defense and hustle were a bit lacking. Hopefully he will realize that his value to us goes well beyond how many points he scores.
Re: Josh Smith says he must
Posted: Mon Mar 9, 2009 10:14 pm
by LL Cool Scott
Remember when he got drafted and Bilas said he was one of the most immature players he's ever come across? I thought that was just hyperbole and if anything would fuel Josh to prove Bilas wrong by publicly embarrassing him like that. Now...I think Bilas was right. Like Conley said - it's not a post-contract malaise - Josh Smith is just a knucklehead. Unfortunately, we'll probably have to ride it out and hope he grows up because his trade value is about zero right now.