Josh Smith -- point forward?

[parson]

Did anyone else notice the times that Smoove penetrated and then dished out to Joe, who was setting up on the line?

It looked predetermined. Were they working together? Is Smoove just that natural of a passer?

After that team meeting, it looked as if Joe was looking for Smoove and Smoove was looking for Joe.

Maybe I'm grasping at straws but we're going to have to find a playmaker SOMEHOW.

[ATL DirtyBird]

Did anyone else notice the times that Smoove penetrated and then dished out to Joe, who was setting up on the line?

It looked predetermined. Were they working together? Is Smoove just that natural of a passer?

After that team meeting, it looked as if Joe was looking for Smoove and Smoove was looking for Joe.

Maybe I'm grasping at straws but we're going to have to find a playmaker SOMEHOW.

Hes been doing that for the past 2 seasons. Hes really evolved as a passer. This season however, Joe has missed all of those open 3s that Josh has gotten him. Him being the point forward is nice sometimes but can lead to turnovers and forced passes.

[parson]

I think you and I saw something different last night. I saw Smoove hit Joe on at least 3 sharp passes when Joe had set up camp on the 3pt line. Joe hit all 3. There was another when Smoove penetrated down the middle and wildly missed Joe when Joe was on the far left corner.

[ATL DirtyBird]

I think you and I saw something different last night. I saw Smoove hit Joe on at least 3 sharp passes when Joe had set up camp on the 3pt line. Joe hit all 3. There was another when Smoove penetrated down the middle and wildly missed Joe when Joe was on the far left corner.

No, I was talking about earlier in the season. Josh would find Joe for a wide open 3 on the break and he would miss. Last night was really the first night he made those jumpers consistently.

[parson]

What I think was different was Smoove penetrating and then kicking out. I'd not seen that before.

So, do we need to consult Don Nelson?

[SAUCERY_SWEET]

No, but he's right, what team have u been watching the last 2 to 3 years?? Josh has always been a point forward, taking the ball and trying to make a play sometimes resulting in erratic turnovers. This is nothing new, he has cut down on some of the out of control drives but he still throws it away from time to time. It seems the team as a whole just has adjusted and come to terms with this part of his game.

[MaceCase]

Flip's zones also helped with the passing lanes being so open.

[parson]

I guess what was new for me is that he looked GOOD doing it this time.

Maybe that's why he won't listen to anyone. EVERYone - including me - screamed he needed to stop shooting long jumpers. Now he's shooting .502 from the field with a lot of jumpers. Everyone wanted him to stop shooting 3s. Now he's shooting .400. Everyone wanted him to stop trying to be Magic Johnson but in the WASH game he looked good with the ball.

Maybe if we insult his lateral quickness enough, he'll become a great SF defender....

[azuresou1]

I'd rather just insult his consistency and effort.

[parson]

I'll give you consistency but he mans up better'n most.

[geeman]

Nice game Josh! I think he's making that point

[CALPURNIA]

I love the way he is playing right now. I was in favor of sending him elsewhere to find a center but now I am very happy with him.
The way he is setting the team from the 4 spot is amazing and I believe it is something that has never been seen in the league before.
He is trying to fill the lack of creation by Bibby and JJ and also that of Marvin. 3s should create some and Marvin does not even creates for himself.

[FemaleDogPlease]

Josh Smith is definitely a point forward skill wise. Problem is his decision making is highly suspect.