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Josh Smith a leader for the Hawks? It's true

If the image of Josh Smith as the immature, petulant player who couldn’t accept coaching or criticism endures, then his recent evolution might come as a shock.

Smith, 24, has become a leader for the Hawks.

“It’s been fantastic to see,” said coach Mike Woodson, who clashed with Smith in their early years together but now considers him an important voice for the team..

Smith’s influence is not subtle either. If Joe Johnson is cool and quiet as the team captain, then Smith is the drill sergeant barking to give their best.

When things are going badly during a game, Smith often gets on his teammates, sometimes even before Woodson, who is known to be tough on his players.

“It’s something I have been doing all season,” Smith said. “I feel that Joe Johnson, first and foremost, is our leader. But he sort of leads by how he plays the game, until he gets real, real mad.

“I guess I am the other one that uses his voice, is vocal, is policing it. Not even always policing but telling people where they need to be at certain spots at different times.”

It sounds polite when Smith puts it that way. In practice, it’s a bit coarser.

Smith’s playing style is high-energy and so is his personality on the court. His words to teammates are often laced with emotion (not to mention plenty of profanity).

“He lets it all out,” Johnson said. “That’s just how he is as a person. You can’t fault him for that. Everybody is made up a little different. That’s just Josh.”