It wasn’t too long ago when Josh Smith was a stat-stuffer for the Atlanta Hawks, a man that could go off for five steals or five blocks as easily as he could muster a 20-and-10 double-double.
Those days have been far gone after he signed a $54 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. He struggled with them, unable to find a niche — a shadow of his former self.
Smith has now played for three other teams in the past two seasons, unable to find a starting gig or even minutes remotely close of what he played in a night-to-night basis in Atlanta.
The 6-foot-9 forward is hoping for another shot, believing he can still help a team win.
“I’m not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made,” Smith told Shams Charania of The Vertical.
“It’s something that I have done wrong to now be figuring out my next move and figuring out what I need to do to be better. Even yoga this summer has helped me become one with my spirit, body and mind. I’ve done things to take steps toward bettering myself, having patience.”
Smith has had a trouble with shot-selection his whole career, falling hopelessly in love with a shot he’s yet to master — the three-pointer.
In his second stint as a member of the Houston Rockets, Smith inexplicably attempted 3.7 threes on 27 percent shooting in 18.3 minutes per game. That is the same per-minute rate of a league-leading three-point percentage shooter like J.J. Redick, who shot it at 47 percent for the season.
Smith insists he’s changed his approach and is ready to contribute in any way he can.
“I have a lot left to give to this game,” he said. “I’m ready to go now. I feel like I’m in the best shape, and I’ve worked extremely hard this offseason. I’m ready.”
The 30-year-old might not able to make SportsCenter with those chase-down blocks or his highlight reel dunks, but his low-post scoring, rebounding, passing ability, and defense could land him a spot on a team that needs a versatile big to give them valuable minutes.
That will be possible as long as he stays disciplined, is willing to listen to the coaching staff and holds himself accountable for his actions on the court.
“I’m not a guy who feels like I have to start or play 30 minutes a night anymore,” said Smith. “I wish for an opportunity to be able to contribute, to be a positive guy around the locker room. It has been missing from me. I’m not doubting it. I felt I have always showed support for my teammates, cheering for them, but I have to do a better job.”
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