He's the Stromile Swift that actually panned out. He's 22 and does rely exclusively on his athleticism, so the IQs not really there, yet.... But, that still doesn't stop you from trading for this guy. Picture Lamar Odom's game with the athleticism of Andre Iguodala and the shot-blocking/rebounding of Mutombo, that's Josh Smith. You want him to stay out of the West if he's not with us, trust me. Hopefully, he'll stay in the East since I don't believe we have the pieces to get a trade done.
It would be nice to have him on the team but me personally wouldn't give Luis Scola for him. I think that no matter how good is Josh Smith without Scola we wouldn't have hustle. But if you keep Landry and trade Scola for Josh Smith with fillers or vice versa that would be ok. Josh Smith is young, plays D, athletic and explosive player that can bring athleticism that Rockets lack.
Josh Smith could be twice the defender that Battier is. Only thing Battier seems to have better than Smith is a 3 point shot. I remember him doing some work with Hakeem and Calvin Murphy last summer and wishing he could be a Rocket.
I am a fan of Josh Smith. He is kind of dense at times, but his game is rock solid. The guy can guard the 2-3-4 spots on the floor. He is a great weak side shot blocker. He is a good rebounder. He is long and quick. He can finish on the break. He can put the ball on the floor to score. He can create shots for others. He doesn't have to be the focal point and doesn't look to dominate the ball. He is still young and has improved every year. He is on the cusp of all-stardom. Josh could be the starting PF or SF for this Rockets team depending on who we would give up. BTW, I have a feeling the "Western Conference Power" referenced in that AJC article is either Dallas (Josh Howard) or Lakers (Odom).
I'm not saying Joey Dorsey has the same game as Josh Smith, because JD is a 4-5, and he still has to play his first actual NBA game, but having him kinda negates what alot of what Josh Smith would bring. And how would Josh Smith fit on the halfcourt offense with Yao on the floor? He can't really space the floor with any outside shooting ability.
Josh Smith, is in my opinion, the most underrated player in the league. If I'm the Hawks, he's pretty much untouchable.
The Hawks would LOVE to get rid of Claxton's contract. You probably are right that the Hawks would want him thrown in on the deal (much like Kenny Thomas being thrown onto the Artest talks).
I'd rather have Joe Johnson than Josh Smith...just because Smith won't fit in our offense. If he just had some kind of outside shot I'd be all for. Too bad I know both of these scenarios are just fantasies anyway.
Scola+Battier is Tooooo much..... just Battier plus sb I would say Yes. however I don't think Josh is very suitable for Rocks.
If we got Josh Smith I would faint. One of the best young players in the game. I would consider trading anyone if we would get the right package including him in return.
It will likely be a BYC scenario when Josh Smith gets a new contract, so there would be a need to make the deal bigger to clear the BYC hurdle. ...and they would like to move Speedy's contract as you mentioned.
detroit just pull out of the race for Josh, saying that hawks wanted too much. If too much meants, 2 of Rasheed, Prince, Rip or Billups. I dun think a battier + any one will entice them. But, if Josh do join the rox, i see him as a 3, rather than a 4. His ability to shoot may be low, but he is able to get fast break points, which is certainly an issue in the rox now. Anyone seen him play live? How does he get most of his points? His highlight reels is all about fast break points, and put-back dunks, along with the occasional 3pointer.
To all the people that keep saying "Why would Atlanta trade the face oe their franchise." Josh Smith already stated that if Atlanta doesn't get a new coach, he has 0 interest in remaining on the Hawks.
I understand that, and I understand moving him for a player that will be there longer than a year. I don't see the point in trading for someone like Odom who can still leave after the season.
I would also add that you can tell he spent last summer working out with Dream considering how much better his footwork, post game and defense were last year. He added a variety of spin moves and crafty baseline moves I hadn't seen him use before. He wants paid more than anything. You could plug any coach in Woodson's stead and he & Smith would butt heads. For as good as Smith is/will be he doesn't have much between the ears. His shot selection is pretty poor, has a few Luther Head-esque brain farts every game and kind of wilts under pressure. That's the kind of stuff that will irritate any head coach. All the same, I definitely think money is more of an issue than any problems he has with Woodson. And to be honest, Woodson is expendable if it means retaining him. If these "0 reports" actually have any merit and i'm Atlanta i'm doing whatever it takes to keep this guy.
Pistons say price too high for Hawks' Josh Smith <I> A team source confirmed the Pistons did approach the Atlanta Hawks weeks ago about a possible sign-and-trade deal involving restricted free agent small forward Josh Smith, but said Sunday that the two teams haven't talked in weeks. Advertisement The source indicated the Hawks were asking for too much, and both sides walked away from any possible deal. A blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Web site said that a "Western Conference power and Eastern Conference big dog" have offered deals. There has been speculation for several weeks that the Pistons would be interested in acquiring someone of Smith's caliber. Smith, 22, averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots in his fourth season in the league. </I>
My buddy that's a huge Hawks fan said Detroit's offer was essentially Prince and Amir Johnson for Smith in a S&T. In that case I can't blame Atlanta for laughing that offer off the table.
If Tayshawn Prince and Amir Johnson for Josh Smith is laughable, then there is absolutely NOTHING the Rockets can offer (short of Yao or T-Mac) that would keep the Hawks from quickly hanging up on Morey.
