Josh Smith Isn't The Entire Reason For Pistons' Struggles, According To Josh Smith
(CBS) How bad are things for the Detroit Pistons?
Pretty horrible. Josh Smith, a leading abuser of the mid-range jump shot, is having to remind everyone that he's not entirely the team's problem -- which happens to be a 27-48 record during a season in which the Pistons had playoff hopes.
Despite shooting 67 percent in the paint on 345 shots, Smith has somehow managed to shoot more mid-range jump shots (355), from where he's a 34.4 percent shooter, according to CBSSports.com. That has often made him a lightning rod for criticism.
"I am an easy target to be able to blame. I'm very outspoken," Smith told the Detroit News. "I'm an emotional player. I can easily be a target night in and out.
"If you played the game, if you know X's and O's, it's not all my fault. I'm not gonna say I'm perfect, by far, but I'm not the guy you can point the finger at. I'm a firm believer in you point one finger at one person, point three back at yourself."
Smith's probably right about the last point. Anytime you're 27-48 in the Eastern Conference, it means you have many problems, not just one. But a little more production from the guy with the big contract would be a good start.