The Josh Smith Shrine

Andris Beidrins, FC
Golden State Warriors

11.2 pts, 10.1 rebs, 2.9 blks, 65.7% fgp
Ranked #2 on Yahoo, November 28

I picked up Andris Beidrins three weeks ago. He blocked 6 shots the next day, reminding me of how I stumbled upon a rookie Josh Smith who blocked 10 shots the day after I grabbed him off the Waivers.

AB looks to be the real deal. His defensive play has gained him Nellie's confidence. In their win against Toronto, he completely shut down Chris Bosh at the second half with his defense. He went on to average double digits in rebounds and around 3 blocks in the succeeding games.

He also showed that he's no Ben Wallace when dominated Denver scoring a career high 31 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking 7 shots. He also passed the Tim Duncan test by netting 18 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks, in a win against the Spurs.

With his 6-11, athletic frame, soft hands, and sound footwork, Beidrins has a lot of potential. And with their team winning, he could be this year's most improved player. (Deron Williams is his rival for this award)

AB he has helped my Fantasy Team giving me #1 rank in blocks. And keeping me a float in rebounds at #6. When Gasol returns, I'd be #1 in rebounds as well. I'm currently at 5th, only 5 points behind 3rd. I still have around 10-15 points to gain in points, rebounds, and steals column. Hopefully Beidrins, Gasol, and Claxton will do it for me.

I too have left Mclaren to become a Tifosi. I think I should celebrate my defection by buying myself an Ipod Nano Red engraved with Scuderia Ferrari.

One word: defense. The Hawks are playing hard at the defensive end and have enough athletes to continually pressure their opponents.

Atlanta was among the NBA's worst defensive clubs a year ago, giving up 102 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 47 percent. After four games – and three wins – the Hawks are giving up only 91 points per game and holding opponents to 41 percent shooting.

Because they are defending well, the Hawks are staying close and have been able to eke out wins. It also helps when Joe Johnson is making as many plays as he is. In Wednesday's win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland, Johnson scored six straight points in overtime to help the Hawks pull away.

Steve Kerr
Yahoo Sports

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in an overtime game, 104 to 95. The win, their third straight, brings them to a 3-1 record. This is their best start in many years.

A Yahoo Sports analyst predicted that Atlanta will finish with the worst record in the league. Many are discounting the Hawks. But this win against Lebron James is certainly turning a lot of heads.

Speedy is off to a slow start. Marvin Williams is still recovering from injury. When these two starters come back, the Hawks will be assured to surpass last year's 26 wins. The Hawks reaching the playoffs this year is very possible.

Josh Smith's Numbers as of Nov. 8:
9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 threes, 1.3 steals, 2.0 blks
Watch this stat line steadily rise as the season progresses.