原文出自nola.com http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/109799560968910.xml Smith's play ahead of schedule Sunday, October 17, 2004 John DeShazier LAFAYETTE -- J.R. Smith isn't making this easy. See, the way things work is, we're supposed to temper optimism because the Hornets only are three games deep into preseason. We're supposed to keep things in perspective by reminding ourselves that Smith, the Hornets' first-round pick, won't be 20 years old until next September. We're supposed to stay even-keeled because we're armed with the knowledge that he's the first high-schooler the franchise ever has picked in the first round and kept, and even the brightest prep stars dim a little under NBA lights. We're supposed to keep in mind that there are crater-sized holes in his game -- playing defense immediately jumps to mind -- because seasoning at St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey and via all-star camps is different than a year or two at Duke or North Carolina. But the only excuse for not liking what you've seen is that you haven't been looking. Because even when the reservations are factored in, the "rook" seems to be everything the Hornets were hoping he'd be, and perhaps a little more. "(Scoring) is one of his strengths, just like one of his weaknesses is on the other end," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "(But) I'm going to stay on him every day, because I see the great potential." We all do. Getting starter's minutes helps to showcase it, of course. David Wesley's strained right hamstring has given Smith the chance to run with the first unit almost exclusively and, no doubt, he benefits from the more meticulous attention to detail that's exhibited by confident starters rather than playing alongside a mix and match of reserves who might be a little nervous, or trying to do a little too much, in the name of making the roster. But being open is one thing, making the shot when open, another. Creating space is one thing, burying the jumper after creating the space, another. And if nothing else, Smith seems to have the ability to do "another." A team-high 19 points in the preseason opener Wednesday night, five in 15 minutes Friday night against Chicago and, best, 22 Saturday night against the Clippers in the Cajundome, 14 in the first half. Best because the output came on the second leg of a back-to-back, when concentration can wane a tad and execution can fly out the window with it. "He has a high level of confidence, and he's very comfortable," forward P.J. Brown said. "The sky's the limit for that kid. His offensive game is there. The defensive game . . . once he gets that end, I think he's going to be a good all-around player." Whether he actually gets it, and how much of it we'll see in the regular season, is anyone's guess. Truth is the Hornets have tried in the past to hand over Wesley's starting position (remember Courtney Alexander?), and no player they've brought in has been able to grasp it. He isn't entering his 12th season, after entering the league as an undrafted rookie, because he's a good interview and a consummate professional. But the prospect of Smith playing decent minutes, of watching him find a comfort zone during the regular season when the going will become a little more difficult, is something to look forward to. Because there's so much to like, from his ball-handling, to his stroke, to a temperament that suggests he believes he belongs, that the arena isn't too big for him, that he's willing to be coached and tutored and isn't going to stomp off in a huff if the critiquing isn't wholly positive. "Those guys have been there, done that," Smith said. "So I'm trying to pay attention to what they say. They're helping me out a lot." He's not helping temper the enthusiasm. Not when it comes to keeping perspective on what he can do, and how he can help, and where his career might go. . . . . . . . John DeShazier can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3410. --

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