Pistons forward Josh Smith says that Atlanta Hawks ‘made no effort’ to bring him back

The Josh Smith era in an Atlanta Hawks uniform came to an abrupt end this off-season when Smith signed a massive 4-year contract (for $54 million) with the Detroit Pistons. However, it was long assumed that the Hawks had at least attempted to re-sign Smith in the off-season, but that point was refuted by Smith on Monday afternoon.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution brings us the news that Smith, while speaking on radio with 92.9 The Game in Atlanta, was never approached for a new deal with the Hawks. To be honest, that isn’t entirely surprising to me, as most expected Smith to be gone following the 2012-2013 season, but it is a little bit jarring to hear that Danny Ferry (the Hawks GM) would have traveled out to simply “say hello” to Smith.

The nature of Smith’s antics while in a Hawks uniform is well-documented, and the collective screams (literally) of the Philips Arena fan base when he was primed for a 3-pointer were enough to make any casual observer chuckle. However, the Hawks apparently decided to move on regardless of price, and thus far this season, Smith’s numbers (16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 43.7% FG, 5.7 3-point attempts per game) are making Danny Ferry and company look very intelligent.

Smith returns to Atlanta for the first time as a member of the Pistons on Wednesday, and that should be the definition of must-see TV.