Losing Dmo was huge, having Smith is really a blessing. And from I've seen his play translates better in the post season due to his defense, passing, and back to the rim plays.
Josh would have been sixth man of the year if he had started as a reserve at the beginning of the year. Eliminate the two or three spectacular bonehead plays each game and he would be an All Star. Josh has been making up big time for the wakeup call given when the Pistons cut him.
He must be on a all time high right now. Cut from the Pistons then being able to put on a show in front of the whole nation this playoff series, especially in game 2, and now going to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Thanks SVG for the gift!
Hopefully the dude is willing to sacrifice to stay in the team long term. He really seems to enjoy playing here stressfree, around friends, and the fans have really taken a liking to him. Remember, HE CHOSE Houston. The thought of another change of scenery might trouble him especially with experiences he's had with other teams.
Yes, but......he has moments where he loses his mind, like game 5 when he committed 3 turnovers in a very short span. This becomes worse when you play great defensive teams like the Warriors. That's not even talking about the shot selections, it can get really bad at times. That being said, its McHale's job to sense when this is happening and pull him out quick. So my conclusion is that he is the #3 as long as McHale is quick to reel him in. Also, it is nice that TJones is a starter so JSmith can bring some pop off the bench. One comment about the defense, his one on one defense is excellent. He does seem to get lost on team defense and that can be an issue in the playoffs.
I think McHale has done a good job of handling Smith and sensing when its time to take him out of games. I disagree in regards to his team defense. He is very good at help defense and coming in on the weak side when the defense has broken down. I like that he contests almost every layup/dunk in the paint. Doesn't care that he could get dunked on and still goes for the block.
He's been awesome at times but keep in mind he was being guarded by Dirk most of the time which is basically no defense. Not a knock on the guy but I hope he can keep it up especially against Duncan or griffin or diaw. He's been hitting big shots though and the moments he plays within himself he's been amazing.
I think TJones will end up being the odd man out eventually. Smith can do everything he does but better, plus he's a ridiculous facilitator. If TJones plans on getting paid I think they'll let him walk or trade him. The priority should be locking up Smith and DMO.
Josh Smith often reminds me of what McHale once said about Jeremy Lin: "Sometimes he's playing for us. Sometimes he's playing for the other team."
i disagree with this completely. smith is great for this playoff run and fine if you can bring him back to come off the bench. but as he becomes less athletic he will decline every year because he is just not a very smart player. where jones should continue to get better for the next few years.
Smith is a PF version of Manu Ginobili. Too unreliable to be your first or second option, but can come off the bench and wreck total havoc and stay on the floor in the 4th quarter if needed. When he's hot, he crushes people. When he's cold, he can really hurt your team. I think he's got a lot left if he's willing to accept the role he has on this team.
Couldn't he sign a short term minimum contract and then a big one when the new cap hits? That would be much smarter regardless than taking a longer and potentially much lower contract now.
Yeah have been lovin Josh Smith's play and energy. Said a lot about him in the last minute of yesterdays game how excited he was on the sideline and the hug with McHale. But he can be so frustrating to watch at times with some of his decision (and his free throws). I just don't understand how he can shoot the 3 at a higher % than from the charity stripe. But damn I hope we keep him!
