Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Joshua Smith, commonly known as Josh Smith, is a retired American professional basketball player recognized for his athleticism and versatility on the court. Below is an overview of his personal background and professional career:
Player Profile
- Full Name: Joshua Smith
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: December 5, 1985
- Place of Birth: College Park, Georgia, USA
- Hometown: College Park, Georgia, USA
- Height: 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
- Weight: 225 pounds (102 kg)
- Wingspan: 7 feet 0 inches (213cm)
- Shoe Size: Size 17 (US)
- Jersey Number: 5
- Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
- High Schools:
- McEachern High School, Powder Springs, Georgia
- Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
- College: Did not attend; entered NBA directly from high school
- NBA Draft: 2004, 1st round, 17th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks
- Teams Played For:
- Atlanta Hawks (2004–2013)
- Detroit Pistons (2013–2014)
- Houston Rockets (2014–2015)
- Los Angeles Clippers (2015)
- Houston Rockets (2015–2016)
- Sichuan Blue Whales (2016)
- New Orleans Pelicans (2017)
- Championship Rings: None
- Children: Three – sons Jett and Josh, and daughter Genesis
- Siblings: Four – Phebe, Kasola, Shanti, and Walter
Player Archetype / Play Style
Josh Smith was a rangy combo forward who fit the mold of an athletic point-forward and weak-side disruptor, blending power-forward size with wing mobility at 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds. Defensively, his best work came as a roaming help defender and multi-positional stopper, using length, burst, and timing to block shots, jump passing lanes, and cover ground across both forward spots. Offensively, he was at his most effective attacking in transition, slashing off the dribble, handling from the elbows or top of the floor, and facilitating for teammates as a secondary creator rather than operating as a pure half-court scorer. Physically, he stood out for his explosiveness, long reach, and open-floor speed, which gave him the tools to impact the game above the rim and in recovery situations. The overall style was dynamic but volatile: when he stayed within his strengths, he looked like a versatile two-way playmaker who could defend everywhere, push pace, pass on the move, and fill up the stat sheet in multiple categories. (Basketball Reference)
Sources: Josh Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft — Basketball-Reference; Josh Smith | Forward — NBA.com; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Josh Smith — Bleacher Report