Joe Smith Overlooked Again, Even after Big Playoff Run with Cavaliers

Again, some will point to Wallace’s defensive prowess as justification for his playing time.  But, remember, Smith led the team in rebounds and has the versatility to guard Garnett both in and out of the lane. 

But, because he has no Defensive Player of the Year awards or Wallace’s big name, Smith sat on the bench.  It seems like the failure to meet the expectations of being a #1 overall pick continues to haunt Smith, even in the 4^th quarter of a deciding playoff game. 

And yet, Smith was a throw-in in the “Ben Wallace Trade.” Maybe that’s what averaging 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds for the 32 games he spent with the Bulls this year. 

But, Smith’s value can’t be gleaned from numbers alone.   

In addition to being an effective scorer and rebounder, Smith has been, by all accounts, a model teammate and mentor for younger players.  Teammates and coaches have praised his steady leadership.

He’s also made the transition from being a college star to a role player with impressive humility.

"He's a very, very classy guy," Cavaliers Coach Mike Brown told the Washington Post.. "He's a utility guy. He can do a number of things very, very good and sometimes excellent. So, he's been a big lift for us, on the floor, off the floor and in the locker room."

He’s unselfish to a fault. Literally. Remember the 2000 discovery of Smith’s handshake deal with Minnesota Timberwolves executive Kevin McHale?

Smith accepted a below-market deal following the 1998 season in exchange for McHale’s promise of a more lucrative future contract, and in doing so, allowed the team more short-term financial flexibility. 

It’s a shame that Smith will never shake the “disappointment” label, since that stigma has overshadowed a solid career. 

Not that Smith is too concerned.

"People are going to have different opinions of [my career]," he said in an interview with the Post. "Being a number one pick, obviously, people have different expectations for guys like myself. But if you ask me, it's been a pretty good and consistent career."

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