Josh Smith

Lore & Background

Smith attended John McEachern High in Powder Springs, Georgia, and later transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year, where he averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals per game, helping lead Oak Hill to a 38–0 record. He was rated the third best overall player in the nation by Rivals.com and the number one small forward. He committed to play for Indiana University but decided to forgo college and enter the NBA draft.

In Their Own Story

The Texas sun beat down on Globe Life Field as Josh Smith stepped into the batter's box, the weight of the season resting squarely on his shoulders. The crowd fell silent, anticipating the crack of the bat that had become synonymous with hope for the Rangers faithful. He adjusted his gloves, eyes locked on the pitcher, ready to deliver another moment of magic for the team.

Reader's Guide

Smith was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. He played nine seasons with the Hawks, then played for the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers between 2013 and 2016. His final stint in the NBA came in November 2017 with the New Orleans Pelicans. He also played for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2016–2017 and signed to play in the Big3 league in March 2019.

Did You Know?

• Smith won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend.
• He became the youngest player in NBA history to record 500 career blocked shots (March 3, 2007) and 1,000 career blocked shots (February 2, 2010).
• He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2009–10 season.
• Smith scored a career-high 38 points on November 17, 2007, against the Milwaukee Bucks.