Joshua Michael Smith
- Born:
- October 10, 1985, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Professional Basketball Player, Analyst
Early Life and Education
- Attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.
- Considered one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.
- Declared for the 2004 NBA draft, forgoing college.
- Some say his life, the life of young "josh smith born under a blue sign", was destined for athletic greatness.
Career and Major Achievements
- Drafted 17th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2004 NBA draft.
- Played nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, becoming a key player.
- Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2005.
- Played for the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers.
- Reached the NBA playoffs multiple times with the Hawks.
- Known for his athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and scoring.
- Later transitioned into sports analysis and broadcasting.
Notable Works
While Joshua Smith did not produce singular major works, his contribution is defined by his significant athletic accomplishments within the NBA and subsequently in sports analysis.
NBA Statistics
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Blocks Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-2005 | Atlanta Hawks | 74 | 9.7 | 6.2 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| 2005-2006 | Atlanta Hawks | 81 | 10.1 | 5.8 | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| 2006-2007 | Atlanta Hawks | 81 | 16.4 | 8.6 | 3.3 | 3.4 |
| 2007-2008 | Atlanta Hawks | 81 | 13.8 | 7.8 | 3.1 | 1.9 |
| 2008-2009 | Atlanta Hawks | 76 | 15.2 | 7.5 | 4.1 | 2.1 |
| 2009-2010 | Atlanta Hawks | 80 | 15.7 | 8.7 | 4.2 | 2.1 |
| 2010-2011 | Atlanta Hawks | 76 | 16.5 | 9.2 | 3.8 | 1.4 |
| 2011-2012 | Atlanta Hawks | 66 | 18.8 | 9.6 | 3.9 | 1.7 |
| 2012-2013 | Atlanta Hawks | 76 | 17.5 | 8.4 | 4.2 | 1.8 |
| 2013-2014 | Detroit Pistons | 54 | 16.4 | 6.8 | 4.2 | 1.4 |
| 2014-2015 | Detroit Pistons/Houston Rockets | 83 | 12.0 | 6.0 | 2.6 | 1.2 |
| 2015-2016 | Los Angeles Clippers/Houston Rockets | 55 | 6.6 | 4.2 | 1.3 | 0.7 |
Legacy and Impact
Joshua Smith left a legacy as a highly athletic and versatile player, particularly during his time with the Atlanta Hawks. His contributions to the game include exceptional defensive skills and a dynamic offensive presence. After retiring from professional basketball, he continued to be involved in the sport through analysis and commentary.