Top PF going into 2012-2013, #8 Josh Smith

Image from Sports-kings.com

We continue our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 NBA season with Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks at #8. Josh Smith had a breakout year this last season, and should have been an All-Star in the minds of many. Smith is known for his plays above the rim on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. For the 2011-2012 campaign he averaged 18.8 PPG 9.6 RBP (both career highs), and was up to his usual tricks on the defensive end. Once the playoffs began, he turned it up to another level against the veteran Boston Celtics averaging 16.8 PPG and an incredible 13.6 RBP.
Smith benefitted from two things this year. The first, is better perimeter defense by his teammates, this allowed Smith to become a TRUE help side defender instead having to constantly help, as his teammates were beat off the dribble again and again. The second, is more trust from coach Larry Drew on the offensive end. Smith's points came off a variety of ways. Post ups, and plenty of fast break opportunities with the occasional highlight reel.  Smith's transition from defense to offensive is great, he runs the floor like a guard and can finish with the best of them. Smith is a crafty post up player, he loves to go to his left, and will shoot a hook shot over his left shoulder. Not only does he run the floor like a deer, but his ability to finish over the rim is amazing.
Take this play, The Hawks were having a terrible offensive possession and because of Smith it culminated with a momentum shifter at a crucial point in the game. There was no offensive strategy in that play, no polished offensive skill from anybody, just a straight athletic play made on one of the league's most feared shot blockers. Smith's Athletic ability and freakish body gives him intangibles that cannot be taught. Now, if we take a second look at that clip, it  shows us one of the problems that have kept Smith from becoming a better player. Smith has an inexplicable love for shooting jumpshots, something he is not very good at.
Smith last season took over 400 shots from 16ft to the 3 point line. He also took 109 3-point shots of which he only made an abysmal 28 for a 27% clip from beyond the arc. Whereas he only took 363 shots at the rim for a very good 68% clip. He only shot 32% on jumpshots and 63% from the free throw line. The bottom line is Smith is hurting his team and himself by shooting jumpshots, so why take them? If he's going to work on jumpshots he might as well spend the time working on his free throw shooting.
Smith is avery gifted player, he's a great one on one defender and a lethal shot blocker. Whether it's on one on one, help side defense or fast break defense, Smith will get it done on the defensive end. His versatility allows him to switch on pick and rolls and guard smaller perimeter players. In addition, it is rewarding to see his rebounding at all time high, he virtually averaged a double double at 9.7 RBP and also had a career high 15.9 % TRB (TRB is the total rebound percentage, it tells us the percentage of rebounds that Smith captured while he was on the floor). Offensively he averaged close to 20 points, and provides high energy baskets for his team. If Smith learns to stay close to the rim and take as few jumpers as possible ( As well as eliminate the three point shot completely) his offensive game will grow. If he manages that, look for Smith to stay a top 10 PF for a long time, and eventually make an All-Star Team.
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