Josh Smith Key to Hawks Success

Shapecity · Nov 25, 2009

The Hawks are out to an NBA-best 11-3 record, and there's talk they've expanded the East's big three -- Boston, Cleveland, Orlando -- into a big four.

So what's the difference this year? Bench play? Jamal Crawford's contributions? Some luck?

Nope, nope, nope and nope.

As John Hollinger writes in today's PER Diem, Josh Smith's improved play is the biggest factor.

"Break it down and a big chunk of this year's improvement comes from the fact that after five seasons of slow but steady improvement, Josh Smith has burst into stardom," he writes.

"Smith has always been held back by his shot selection, particularly long jumpers early in the clock. He nailed 51.4 percent of his 2-point shots last season, but held himself back with 87 hoists from 3, of which he made only 26. This year? He's taken only one 3-point attempt -- a heave at the end of the first half against Houston -- and voila, his shooting percentage has rocketed northward.

"Always a competent passer, he's on pace to nearly double his assist average from 2008-09. He had never grabbed more than 9.4 rebounds per 40 minutes in his first five seasons, but he's snagging 11.2 this season -- using many to start the transitions that fuel the Hawks' fearsome open-court attack. And after a bizarre one-year hiatus, he's back to blocking shots, swatting a league-best 2.64 per game. As a result, only two power forwards with at least 250 minutes played boast a better PER than Smith's stellar 24.45 -- Chris Bosh and Dirk Nowitzki."
Click to expand...

Source: Per Diem

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Josh Smith Key to Hawks Success

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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Josh Smith Key to Hawks Success

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