Smith's problem hasn't ever been talent or athleticism. It's been his mental makeup (not game cause he actually does know what to do on the court).
His rep is not that of a hard working team first player. He hasn't always took care of himself physically which may have contributed to his up and down performances and health issues. And he does have that me first rep that clashed in Dallas with coach and teammates (true or not, that's the rep so you have to believe there's some truth in that).
It's a contributing factor into why he was drafted 9th instead of in the top 3. From a pure talent and tools standpoint many scouts said he was a clear top 2-3 talent (possibly the top talent).
So it's good to see that conditioning is something he's been taking a lot of time working on and being serious about. It's something that he's not really shown great interest in in the past. Does it guarantee anything? No. But it's a good sign.
Just like with Frank, this is a potential make or break season for Junior.
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