Josh Smiths impact

[tontoz]

Since we see Smith all the time it is easy to take the things he does well for granted and focus on his problem areas (3 pt shooting, TO's , etc). But on the rare occassions he has been out you can really tell just how big an impact he has on the game.

When he was out for his hernia surgery the team absolutely sucked. I remember one game in particular when they got blown out at hom by the Hornets without Paul, West, Peja and BJackson. they looked like a HS team.

The way the defense has disintegrated since Smith has been out this time really shows how good of a defender he really is. I have seen so many comments like "he's just a weakside shotblocker, he isn't a good man defender" and so on. I think people really underestimate his effort on D.

If anyone can name a player in NBA history who defended the opponents fast breaks as well as Smith i would certainly like to hear it. I can't think of any. And it isn't just the shots he blocks that are important it is also all the shots he alters or prevents.

There is no question Smith is a big time impact player. Now if we can just get him to stop shooting 3s......

[Gutz]

I totally agree! How many times have we seen the other team's player or players going down court on a fastbreak with Smoove trailing, then watch him either swat the shot or his presence there alone will make the other player miss a layup or something in fear of it being blocked. It actually happens quite a bit. We need Smoove back ASAP!

[LL Cool Scott]

Couldn't agree more.

Before the injury, we were 4-0 against 4 solid playoff teams. We were giving up an average of 86 points a game.

Since the injury, we are 3-4 against Boston and a bunch of garbage teams. We have given up an average of 104.3 points a game.

His impact is staggering.

[Damu]

More than his impact alone as a player I think he raises the defensive awarness of the team. Guys up top are likely to be more aggressive and the overall team is more aggressive.


We need him back PRONTO!

[conleyorbust]

Its crazy too, because you can't help but think if HE realized his value to the team, he wouldn't force it on offense as much trying to be a difference maker and he could be an even more productive player.

The other thing I'll say is that I think his man defense, both post and perimeter, was a little underated last season but it wasn't special to the point it was in those first 3 games where you would see him hold West out of the paint on one possession and switch on to Paul and force a pass on the next.

[Harry10]

Since we see Smith all the time it is easy to take the things he does well for granted and focus on his problem areas (3 pt shooting, TO's , etc). But on the rare occassions he has been out you can really tell just how big an impact he has on the game.

When he was out for his hernia surgery the team absolutely sucked. I remember one game in particular when they got blown out at hom by the Hornets without Paul, West, Peja and BJackson. they looked like a HS team.

The way the defense has disintegrated since Smith has been out this time really shows how good of a defender he really is. I have seen so many comments like "he's just a weakside shotblocker, he isn't a good man defender" and so on. I think people really underestimate his effort on D.

If anyone can name a player in NBA history who defended the opponents fast breaks as well as Smith i would certainly like to hear it. I can't think of any. And it isn't just the shots he blocks that are important it is also all the shots he alters or prevents.

There is no question Smith is a big time impact player. Now if we can just get him to stop shooting 3s......

Amen. i don't appriciate all the Josh haters.

i really don't care if guys make mistakes (it is apart of all sports), i love how Smoove comes back with a big play after a turnover or bad shot.

i do admit i have a bias for athletes and defense (Smoove, Chandler, Dwight, G Wallace since Alabama)

i look at Smoove just like Andrew Jones or Vick, i'm okay with one mistake for every two big plays.

[Harry10]

i'm surpised how fast the haters forget how horrible the Hawks look without Smoove. seem to just have a prejudice for no reason. for some reason it is okay if Bibby commits a turn over and takes a bad shot, but if Smoove does it, the hate just comes out.

i'm really shocked how two faced the haters are. they complain about the Hawks' defense when Smith is out, and want him traded when he is in, and think it is easy to get a defensive force like Smith in a trade.

[BMF Jet Jaguar]

there is a thread on player comparisons called "Is josh smith the worst PF in the NBA?"

[JoshB914]

^^^ Yeah. That is probably the dumbest thread I've ever seen. I believe was started by a Hawks fan as well.

Josh took a step backwards defensively last year. His boards and blocks were way down and his man defense also was not what it was in 07-08. But I will give the guy the benefit of the doubt this time around because of the injury, we all know he is a better player than that and work ethic is not an issue with him so I don't see how his defensive game would suddenly go on the decline. I think he'll be back to being an elite defender this upcoming season.

[evildallas]

I just checked that thread. Inane. Did Josh get so much league-wide hatred prior to missing the showboat dunk attempt against Miami?

[HMFFL]

I removed that thread.

By the way, I saw Josh at Lenox Friday.

I just checked that thread. Inane. Did Josh get so much league-wide hatred prior to missing the showboat dunk attempt against Miami?

Afraid so. The attention that dunk received was ridiculous.