Josh Smith: A Fair Assessment

[Kaye]

Josh Smith has the tools to be an All-NBA Player. He knows it, and the staff knows it.

PROS:

Developing jumper

Freak Athlete

Great help-side defender/blocker

Quicker than his defender - ALWAYS

Highlight dunks

Decent passer

CONS:

Shoots too much from outside

Has too many silly turnovers

Doesn't always play towards his strengths

Inconsistent effort/support of teammates

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What does this table illustrate?

His issues are mental and his ceiling is absurd. Even though his developing his jumper has caused him to periodically be lazier and dependent on them, it could really round out his game if it's his secondary move (as opposed to his primary move of getting to the rack).

The fact that his shot has improved so much speaks to his work ethic. This is a rare element to an NBA player with his type of maturity, and it might be a signal that Smoove is more coachable than people might think.

If I'm Rick Sund, I would have a good sit-down with Josh this offseason and try to find an assistant coach who will focus his efforts on Smoove's character, development, and skill. He's got all the raw materials to be an all-NBA player, but the head of an 16-year-old high school kid. I think somebody mentoring him will be the best way for him to mature into the player that the Hawks (and himself) want him to be.

I thnk that's a fair assessment.....bottom line we need more consistency!