The Detroit Pistons were supposed to be legit playoff contenders this season, but they ended up being a mess. One can look to this play as a clear description of their season, which features forward Josh Smith.
However, Smith doesn't want to take any blame on the Pistons' struggles this season. Smith recently defended himself when speaking to the Detroit News.
“I am an easy target to be able to blame. I'm very outspoken,” Smith said. “I'm an emotional player. I can easily be a target night in and out.”
Smith has been ridiculed for taking low-percentage jump shots, and these problems even date back to when he was a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Smith was supposed to change his ways this season, but he defended himself from that.
“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.”
There's still no excuse, though, for what Smith is doing.
As CBS Sports observes, Smith has connected on 67 percent of his shots in the restricted area. However, from midrange he's only hit 34.4 percent of his shots. Adding to it, he's tied with Michael Carter-Williams for the worst 3-point percentage in the NBA.
Sure, Smith's ways aren't the sole reason the Pistons are 27-48 and six games behind for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but it definitely is a major factor.
