Josh Smith Doesn’t Mind Criticism of Jump Shots

Hawks fans, players, and coaches get on Smith for his love of the long jumper, but he’s not letting it affect him (or his shot selection.) The AJC reports: “Hawks forward Josh Smith wants you to believe he doesn’t hear thousands of home fans pleading with him not to shoot when he winds up from the perimeter. ‘I put them on mute,’ Smith said Monday, smiling. Eventually Smith, an Atlanta native, acknowledged that he hears the fans but noted there were a lot of Bulls supporters at the game. ‘Those are the people saying it,’ he said, still smiling … After the game Smith seemed annoyed by reporters’ questions about his jump shots. ‘The media is trying to ‘T.O.’ me,’ Smith said, referring to controversial NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens … Smith said the treatment from fans ‘doesn’t faze me’ because his teammates are supportive. He said he believes fans want him to see him play to his potential, especially since he’s a local. ‘No matter what they say about me I love them,’ Smith said. ‘I really do. It’s a love-hate thing. They hate me.’ Smith smiled before adding, ‘We’ve had our times but it’s sort of like a brother thing.'”