Soaring Down South
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Ranking the Atlanta Hawks Best Draft Picks of the Last 25 Years

By Tyler Sellers

Apr 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and guard Jeff Teague (0) show emotion after an overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and guard Jeff Teague (0) show emotion after an overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward /

2. Josh Smith

2004 NBA Draft Round 1, Pick 17

Power Forward 6’9″, 225 lbs, Oak Hill Academy high school

Josh “J- smoove ” Smith was a gifted, yet maddening player for his hometown Atlanta Hawks. He grew up in College Park, Georgia just outside of Atlanta. Smith was part of the final wave of players to enter the NBA directly out of high school. His father was a consistent fixture with the local media, and attended  many of his sons games.

Smith had so much athleticism early on, fans marveled at some of his highlights in a similar way that they did for Mike Vick in Atlanta. In terms of physical stature, Josh Smith may have been one of the few players in the league that could rival LeBron James. He was fast, strong, quick and could jump insanely high.

Smith had a very productive career as an Atlanta Hawk. Over 9 seasons he filled up the stat sheet with averages of 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. He also was extremely durable, never playing in less than 76 games, except for the strike shortened season of which he played all 66 games. He started 654 of a possible 676 games.

Of course his statistics look impressive, but the inconsistency he displayed during many of his performances is what limited him. Smith was never named to the all star team, and should have surpassed his accomplishments with just a little more focus and work ethic. I can’t continue without mentioning his poor shot selection.

Despite converting on his 3 point tries at a miserable rate year in and year out, he still always included that as a major component of his offensive game. His best year percentage wise was during 10- 11, he shot .331.

J- smoove was arguably the most blessed athlete the Hawks have ever drafted. He came in tapped with potential and had as bright of a future as an NBA player as anyone. It’s definitive that his achievements and production has earned him his place on this list. At the end of his time with the Hawks, it is reasonable for fans to have a feeling of wanting more from him though.

Next: No. 1