Can Josh Smith Help His Team Anymore?

Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) warms up before a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) warms up before a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Josh Smith
Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) warms up before a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t mean to sound like Pepperidge Farm here, but I can remember a time when Josh Smith wasn’t viewed as a league-wide joke. Believe it or not, there once was a time when J-Smoove was one of the best power forwards in the league.

With his two-way skill set, jaw-dropping athleticism and impressive shot-blocking ability, Smith was a true specimen for the Atlanta Hawks. Yet alongside Joe Johnson and Al Horford, his game never resonated with NBA fans.

You need proof? Consider that seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson has seven more All-Star appearances to his name than Josh Smith does.

With the Detroit Pistons rapidly improving and the Houston Rockets suddenly on the decline, it’s time to take a look at the puzzle of Josh Smith and figure out whether or not he’s still capable of making his team better.

Next: Good Josh Smith