NBA Trade Speculation: 5 Reasons Atlanta Hawks Would Be Smart to Move Josh Smith
One of the biggest questions facing the Atlanta Hawks this summer will be whether to keep Josh Smith or to trade him away.
The incredibly talented forward is one of the more athletic players in the league, a trait which helped him become the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 1,000-blocked shots milestone.
After averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this past year, though, Smith has also caused more than a few Atlanta fans to scratch their heads in disbelief at the poor decisions he makes.
For that reason and quite a few others, it's time to let Smith go.
Read on for exactly why that is the case.
The Return Would Be Nice
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A player as good as Josh Smith would be able to generate a lot of talent in return.
His name has been thrown around in potential trades with people like Monta Ellis or Andre Iguodala coming to Atlanta. Either of those players, or a center of equal value, would be absolutely essential in Atlanta's building of a championship-caliber team.
Not to mention the fact that Atlanta could also receive a draft pick much better than their current slot at No. 48. While this may be a weak draft class when it's all said and done, there is still a significant amount of talent about to enter into the league.
If Atlanta were able to parlay Smith into a talented small forward or big man while also gaining a higher draft pick to target whichever position was not already filled, the deal would be a successful one.
No Longer as Necessary to Re-Sign Jamal Crawford
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I recently wrote the following:
"One of the biggest decisions that the Atlanta Hawks will have to make this summer is whether or not to keep Jamal Crawford on their roster.
Personally, I don't think that Atlanta should re-sign Crawford.
While he's incredibly talented, especially on the offensive end, his isolation style of offense really requires his squad to completely change the way it plays. When he's on the floor, there is little to no continuity, a fact which can be a little bit frustrating.
Also, the Hawks are in need of a bit of a facelift and getting rid of Crawford could open up the cap space to bring in a new and exciting player that Atlanta fans can rally around."
Getting rid of Josh Smith would likely bring in that new and exciting player, thus opening up the door even wider for Crawford to exit through.
Allow Al Horford to Become Main Player
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In just his fourth season in the league, Al Horford managed to average 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game for the Atlanta Hawks, one year removed from his third-year campaign where he posted 14.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest.
Horford, a former Florida Gator, was drafted by the Hawks at No. 3 in the 2007 NBA draft and has been nothing short of spectacular ever since.
He displays a bevy of post moves and a delicate touch with his mid-range jumper on a nightly basis while attacking the boards relentlessly.
Trading away Josh Smith would just increase Horford's usage rate and allow him to produce even better numbers while becoming the face of the franchise.
Less Frustration
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Atlanta Hawks fans out there, raise your hand if you've ever shouted at your television in frustration after watching Josh Smith throw up an ill-advised jump shot.
However sheepishly you raised your hand, I'm sure that every single one of you did. I know I most certainly had to.
As talented and athletic as Smith is, he's also equally frustrating. He should be performing much better than he does night in and night out, but a low basketball IQ leads him to make a bunch of terrible, momentum-changing decisions.
I'll never forget Charles Barkley mocking Smith during one playoff game after the forward refused to realize that he was not a guard.
I for one am ready to get rid of the player who's causing my blood pressure to rise.
Need for a New Face
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Atlanta has been a playoff-dweller for quite some time without seeing much success in the postseason.
Fans of the Hawks have become quite used to seeing good performances in the regular season and then flops in the playoffs by the exact same players.
It seems as though Marvin Williams, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and the rest of the Hawks have been a part of the team forever.
When new faces are brought in as contributors, it's always exciting and makes fans get even more pumped up for a new season. Just think about the buzz that was generated by the acquisition of Kirk Hinrich, even though he was by no means a star.
Then think about the excitement that Jeff Teague's sensational postseason play caused. Everyone in Atlanta was and still is ready to label him as the point guard of the future just because of a few games.
Atlanta is in need for excitement, and not the kind caused by signing Johnson to a ridiculously high salary.
Bringing in someone new while dealing away Josh Smith would do that.
