Josh Smith has watched the Hawks from afar following the end of his nine-year tenure in Atlanta in 2013. The forward returned to Philips Arena Tuesday for the first time with the Rockets, after his year-plus stint with the Pistons came to an unceremonious end earlier this season.
The College Park native said Tuesday morning that his mother still attends Hawks games on occasion. He has been impressed with the way the Hawks have played this season and thinks coach Mike Budenholzer should get Coach of the Year votes.
“They are playing really well,” Smith said. “They are playing really unselfish. I think that has a lot to do with the way that they bought in with the coaching staff and the philosophies that he teaches. They are doing a great job playing together. I think the coach should be nominated for coach of the year for the great things they are doing. I think it’s really good for the city, too.”
Smith helped get the Hawks get back to postseason relevancy after he was drafted in the first round in 2004 by his hometown team. Even Smith can see that this Hawks team has captured the attention of the city and state.
“We always understand it’s not a big media frenzy town,” Smith said. “It’s great having some attention on the basketball team instead of always heavy Falcons and Braves.”
Smith’s Rockets team will play without the NBA’s leading scorer in James Harden. The All-Star guard was suspended for one game following an incident Sunday against the Cavaliers when he kicked LeBron James in the groin. Count Smith as one who thought the penalty was too harsh.
“I think the suspension was absurd if you ask me,” Smith said. “But things happen. I think decisions are made off of social media and what people say in the press, but it will show the depth of this team.”
Smith has appeared in 32 games with the Rockets after he was released by the Pistons. He has averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
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