There’s reason for Detroit Pistons fans to be cautiously optimistic – Josh Smith now “understands” that he doesn’t need to hoist up so many three-pointers.
Pistons head coach and team president Stan Van Gundy has apparently convinced Smith that he’s a lot better off playing closer to the hoop.
Josh bulked up during the offseason in preparation for increased banging in the post.
Per the Detroit Free Press:
“I think Josh has a very good understanding of the shots he needs to shoot that are not only best for him, but best for our team,” Van Gundy said. “He’s one of the elite guys in the league around the basket. Last year, stuff inside, right at the rim, in two straight years, he has been 71% and 77%. There’s very few guys at that level. So he needs to get more of those. He knows that. He also understands he really doesn’t need to shoot threes for this team.
“Will he get some? The other night, late in the shot clock, throw it back … you have to take that shot. He’s going to shoot some. It’s not a matter of number, one a game, less than one a game. It’s when are you shooting them? There might a game where he might take three.”
“He has an understanding of how he needs to play for our team; it’s the discipline to do it,” Van Gundy said. “He’s a smart guy. He knows and he’s not trying to fight you about anything. We need to put him around the basket and at the elbow area, where he can use his strength.”
