« Perkins' Props: Punched Pistons | Main | China, 800,000 baskets, and....... India? »
August 12, 2008
Play-off Rewind: A Moment with Josh Smith
I was going back over my interview tapes from the past season and thought NBA fans might like to hear Josh Smith's thoughts on a few topics - in light of his recent re-signing with Atlanta.
I asked him if he wanted Mike Woodson to return. His answer was fairly neutral. It could be read either way. He didn't outright endorse Woodson's return, which could be construed by some as, de facto, not supportive. But his answer was somewhat positive about Woodson as well. The ambivalence may typify the reality of the situation.
But then he mentions the day Coach Woodson got his NBA Championship Ring (with the Pistons), playing against the Pistons as the day he knew he belonged in the NBA. It would be hard not to see at least a little fondness for his coach in that recollection.
Anyway, here it is. The conversation was from pre-game 5 in Boston.
You went to Rajon Rondo's house for dinner?
Josh Smith: "Yeah, I did."
You blocked a few of his shots later. Has he said anything to you?
"No, he hasn't said anything yet. But we talk a little trash, so it's still fun."
You've come a long way since you started in the league. Do you think it is harder coming from high school or easier by not doing the college thing?
'I don't think [it's harder]. Whether you come from college or high school, umm... you're still not going to be prepared for what the NBA is going to throw at you. People have different perceptions of what it is. But when I first came in, I didn't get playing time. But when I started to get the playing time, I made an immediate impact."
Some players say there was a moment when they knew they 'belonged'. Is there a moment that sticks out that you remember, that you knew you belonged in the league?
"I don't know. I forget the first time I scored 20 points. It had to be that day. Just scoring the most points against a good team. It feels great.
Wait. Matter of fact...my first moment when I knew I belonged....I started my first game in Detroit. I was a rookie and I think it was ring ceremonies for Coach that day. When he won the ring (as an asst. coach with the Pistons the year before)...with the ring presentation and we actually won the game and I played well. That probably has to stand out more than anything."
Coach Woodson has cited your development and how key you are with this team going forward.
But there are pieces the team needs, if he's here next year. Do you want the coach to return next year?
'That's not up to me. You gotta ask the guys that make that decision. But wherever he goes, whether he is here or not here, he's going to do pretty good wherever he goes."
Do you think this team needs a few pieces?
"That's not up to me. But this year we played as well as anybody. Even though we're up and down, I have to say, just because we might be a little younger than people want, but if we keep the same guys together, we'll be okay because we've been together a couple years and each knows what we like to do. That's up to the GM and the owners."
.
How about your own game? What do you think is an area you need to work on next year?
"Just be more consistent on the jumpshot. Being a leader on the court and assessing my role as a player."
Shot selection? When to take it, when not to?
"Maybe so. Maybe so. I might need to work on that a little bit. But I think I'm doing a good job. Im satisfied with my progress right now, but I'm not satisfied with my progress from the stand point that I (know) I need to get better."
A lot of your game is about your defense. Seeing KG and what he's done. Is that something you'd like as a goal?
"Definitely. I definitely want to be on the (All- NBA) Defensive Team. Preferably the 1st Defensive Team because that would be a great accomplishment. Most players strive for offensive accolades, but I think that the game is won on the defensive end."
Coach Woodson said that you guys came together over the last 22 games. But the you lost the first 2 games and came back to win the next two. What happened?
"From a confidence standpoint, our confidence rose."
Why would it rise?
"Well, because we lost those first two games, I believe we started to question ourselves. Then after shootaround the day of game 3, Al (Horford) brought a tape around that meant a lot to us. Muhammed Ali (Rumble in the Jungle) against George Foreman.
It lifted us back up. It lifted our spirits back up and it brought excitement back to us and just being to see the atmosphere our arena had given us during the play-offs was big momentum for us."
Part of that was the "Rope a Dope". Did you guys feel that way, that you had to stand up to the bully?
(Laughing) 'Nah, I don't think so. Not for us. But game 4 they threw their best stuff at us and we had a counter punch for it. I think we can play with them at their highest level. We've shown it in game 4."
What's going to happen tonight?
"I think if we play together, the way we played games 3 and 4, we can win the game."
Thanks, Josh.
"Okay."
Well....we all know how that story turned out. Hopes springs eternal.
The defection of Josh Childress had put the team in a tough place, but they refused to up the ante for Josh Smith until he got a solid tender from a competitor. When J-Smoove got the offer from Memphis, they immediately matched, so as to show Smith they do indeed want him.
Some will say they paid too much. Others say it was smart. All in all, I sense a maturing of Josh Smith that will serve him well as he tries to take his game and floor impact to the next level. If Atlanta didn't match, it would have been foolish indeed. If things don't work out, a talent like Josh Smith is tradeable.
With a core of Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, and Marvin Williams, they are exciting to watch, but not contending material. While a better shooter and solid defender, Maurice Evans doesn't bring the things that Josh Childress did off the bench. With Horford looking like a special player and Smith continuing to improve, the team's movement should be forward this season, but incrementally so.
Posted by Tom on August 12, 2008 9:48 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://forum.connpost.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1674
