Fansided

NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever

By Brad Rowland

Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 24: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks protests after being called for a foul against the Indiana Pacers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 24, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 24: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks protests after being called for a foul against the Indiana Pacers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 24, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith, No.17 pick, 2004 NBA Draft

The Hawks have a miserable track record when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities in the NBA Draft, but Smith serves as a rare example of outright success. Though Atlanta misfired on its first selection in the 2004 NBA Draft (Josh Childress), they made up for it by adding Smith, who played 676 games for the organization while producing at a high level.

At this point in his career, Smith is best known for his hilariously bad shot selection and generally enigmatic behavior, but at one point, he was one of the most feared defenders in the NBA. Smith averaged 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game over nine seasons in Atlanta, including a three-season span from 2005 through 2008 in which he averaged a blistering 2.8 swats per game.

The Hawks have made more impactful picks when it comes to the history of their franchise, including Al Horford, Pete Maravich and Kevin Willis, but Smith’s value should not be overlooked. Again, this is a list of the most underrated picks in each team’s history and, well, people tend to forget just how good Josh Smith was during his athletic prime in Atlanta.

Next: Boston Celtics

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