Detroit Pistons: Using Josh Smith As Power Forward Is A Great Thing
By Fuad Shalhout
@shalhoutf
Getty Images
Josh Smith will be used exclusively as a power forward for the Detroit Pistons this season, and that’s certainly great news if you’re a Pistons fan.
The small forward experiment failed last year and was hard to watch.
“It was kind of a foreign position to me,” Smith said. “So I was a little uncomfortable. I’m not going to use that as an Achilles’ heel for why my numbers went down. It was very challenging though.”
Smith doesn’t quite know why things crumbled as a team last year, but is looking forward to a fresh start.
“But you know, I started out losing in this league, so I know how appreciated the moments of winning are; how precious they are. You know, we did take a step back last year. I felt like we had the talent to do it, but things happen.”
Smith should come off the bench to maximize his potential, because clearly the trio of Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Smith in the starting lineup didn’t work. And Smith said he’d be fine if he doesn’t start.
“Winning is the No. 1 priority for me,” Smith said. “I like how he’s making it a competition, keeping that competitive edge for everybody. I’m willing to do whatever.”
With Smith coming in a with a different attitude, and Stan Van Gundy leading the way, it’s an exciting time for Pistons basketball. If Smith can become a key contributor to a Pistons resurrection, then he’d make everyone forget about last year.
Fuad Shalhout is a Detroit Pistons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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