Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks: A High-Flying Era in Atlanta Basketball

When people in Atlanta, Georgia search for “Josh Smith Atlanta Hawks,” they’re usually looking to remember one of the city’s most electric NBA players or to understand how he fits into Atlanta Hawks history. Josh Smith was never just another player on the roster—during the mid-2000s and early 2010s, he was one of the faces of basketball in Atlanta.

This guide walks through who Josh Smith is, what he meant to the Atlanta Hawks, and how his time in Atlanta connects to the city’s basketball culture today.

Who Is Josh Smith?

Josh Smith (often called “J-Smoove”) is a former NBA forward who grew up in the Atlanta area and became a key player for the Atlanta Hawks.

• Full name: Joshua Smith
• Position: Forward (small forward / power forward)
• Height: 6'9"
• Hometown connection: Grew up in Georgia and played high school basketball at Oak Hill Academy (a national powerhouse), but has strong ties to metro Atlanta.

For Atlanta fans, his story is especially appealing because he combined local roots with professional success on the Hawks, which play their home games downtown at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Josh Smith’s Time With the Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and spent the prime of his career in the city.

Drafted Straight From High School

• NBA Draft: 2004
• Team: Atlanta Hawks
• Draft detail: Selected in the first round straight out of high school, at a time when young players were increasingly entering the league early.

For Atlanta, this meant the team was taking a chance on a young, athletic forward who could help rebuild a struggling franchise.

Key Years in Atlanta

Josh Smith played for the Hawks from 2004 to 2013. During that stretch, he went from raw prospect to one of the most recognizable players in Atlanta basketball.

He was known for:

• Explosive dunks in transition
• Elite shot-blocking from the forward position
• Versatile defense, often guarding multiple positions
• A tendency to take (and sometimes make) outside shots, which was a frequent topic among Hawks fans

Why Josh Smith Mattered to Atlanta Hawks Fans

If you lived in or visited Atlanta during the late 2000s, you probably remember Josh Smith highlights all over sports clips and local conversation.

Defensive Anchor and Shot-Blocker

Smith became one of the league’s best weak-side shot-blockers. At State Farm Arena (previously Philips Arena), fans got used to seeing:

• Chasedown blocks on fast breaks
• Help defense at the rim
• Momentum-swinging plays that brought the entire building to its feet

For a city that was working to rebuild its NBA reputation, Smith’s defensive presence helped give the Hawks a new identity.

High-Flying Dunks and Energy Plays

Smith’s dunks made him a fan favorite in Atlanta:

• Alley-oops from teammates like Joe Johnson
• Put-back slams on missed shots
• Fast-break finishes that energized the crowd

This style of play helped pull local fans back into the arena and created a fun, high-energy experience for Atlanta basketball nights.

Josh Smith and the Hawks’ Playoff Resurgence

Before Josh Smith’s era, the Hawks struggled for years. With him in the lineup, the team:

• Returned to the NBA Playoffs consistently
• Became a regular part of the Eastern Conference conversation
• Helped re-establish the Hawks as a competitive team in the eyes of Atlanta sports fans

Along with players like Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Mike Bibby, Josh Smith helped turn the Hawks into a team that local fans could count on to make postseason appearances instead of focusing only on rebuilding.

Quick Snapshot: Josh Smith’s Role With the Atlanta Hawks

How Atlanta Fans Remember Josh Smith Today

If you talk to longtime Hawks fans around Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside, you’ll hear a mix of appreciation and nostalgia when Josh Smith’s name comes up.

Common themes include:

• “He was one of the best shot-blockers we’ve had in Atlanta.”
• “Those alley-oops and chasedown blocks were must-see.”
• “He helped put the Hawks back on the map before the later 60-win team.”

While opinions can differ on his shot selection or offensive style, many in Atlanta credit him with being a key figure during a turning point for the franchise.

Where Josh Smith Fits in Atlanta Hawks History

If you’re trying to understand the bigger picture of Hawks history while you’re in Atlanta:

• Pre-Josh Smith era: The Hawks struggled with consistency and identity.
• Josh Smith era (mid-2000s to early 2010s):
  • The team returned to the playoffs.
  • A defensive, up-tempo style emerged.
  • Crowds at the Hawks’ home arena grew more energized and engaged.
• Post-Josh Smith:
  • The Hawks later reached a new peak with the 60-win team and multiple All-Stars.

Josh Smith’s time with Atlanta is often seen as a bridge between years of rebuilding and later sustained success.

Experiencing Josh Smith’s Legacy as a Fan in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect with the Josh Smith / Atlanta Hawks era, here are some practical ways to do it:

1. Visit State Farm Arena on Game Night

• Location: State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

While Josh Smith no longer plays for the Hawks, the arena is where many of his best moments happened. Being there for a game gives context to:

• Where he blocked shots and ran the floor
• The atmosphere that grew during the Hawks’ return to relevance

2. Explore Atlanta’s Basketball Culture

To better understand how players like Josh Smith fit into the city’s hoops tradition, you might:

• Watch classic Hawks highlights featuring Smith to see how the team played in that era.
• Talk with long-time fans you meet at games, local sports bars, or watch parties around Downtown, Buckhead, or the Eastside.

Many local fans can describe exactly what it felt like when Smith turned defense into fast-break dunks.

FAQ: Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks for Atlanta-Based Fans

Was Josh Smith a star for the Atlanta Hawks?
He was one of the team’s most important players for nearly a decade, especially valued for defense, athleticism, and energy. While he wasn’t always labeled a “superstar,” he was a central part of the Hawks’ identity during his years in Atlanta.

How long did Josh Smith play for the Hawks?
He played in Atlanta from 2004 through 2013, making him one of the longer-tenured Hawks of that era.

What position did he play?
Smith primarily played forward, shifting between small forward and power forward, depending on the lineup.

Why do Atlanta fans still talk about him?
Because he represents a time when the Hawks shifted from rebuilding to regular playoff team, and his blocks and dunks are still some of the most memorable plays from that period.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a game, or are simply trying to understand Atlanta Hawks history, knowing who Josh Smith is—and what he did for the franchise—helps you appreciate how far pro basketball in the city has come.