The Brooklyn Nets are trying to prove they are for real this season.  The team is clearly up and coming, but they want to make a statement here and now in the 2012-13 season.  That's part of why they are pursuing Josh Smith so heavily.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Nets are aggressively pursuing Smith, but a deal is not close.  The Atlanta Hawks would wants a big return if they were to let Smith go.  He had been one of the best players on the team and a constant competitor.


Smith battled through some hip issues this season, but the problems were not serious.  He missed some time but appears to be healthy now.  This is important considering the amount of injuries that have besieged the NBA this season.  Teams that can stay healthy this year have a distinct competitive advantage.

Smith is in his ninth NBA season.  He has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Hawks.  In his career, Smith has averaged 15.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game.  So far this year, he is averaging 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game.
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