elindholm
edited for content
When he went up, up and away, Josh Smith jumped out at Suns brass Sunday.
The America West Arena apparatus that measures prospects' vertical leaps had to be extended for the first time after Smith went above the standard height.
Smith's vertical leap was 37 3/4 inches, supporting the 6-foot-8 swingman's reputation as the most athletic player available in the June 24 draft. Smith is a Georgian who just graduated from Virginia's Oak Hill Academy, where he played as a senior.
"Josh Smith is an unbelievable talent," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Athletically, he's probably one of the best leapers I've seen. He's got a lot of upside and a lot of talent."
The Suns knew he could jump, but they have plenty of other characteristics to ponder if Smith is still available when Phoenix picks at No. 7. Many of the queries have to do with his effort, something that was not an issue Sunday, as it had been in his previous workout in Charlotte, N.C. When stoked, Smith responded Sunday.
"That's what they say about high school kids," D'Antoni said of Smith's reputation for inconsistent effort. "When you're so talented and it comes so easily - he's never been pushed - that's something you need to be careful about saying. I've never seen a high school kid have a lot of effort.
" . . . You can always pick things he can't do, but I know a lot of things he can do, and it's pretty impressive."
Sebastian Telfair, another high school phenom, joined Smith on Sunday. Both already have signed multimillion-dollar deals with adidas.
Telfair was sidelined Sunday by a groin pull. Despite hype including a Sports Illustrated cover, the New York point guard appears bound for the back half of the first round.
Some top-10 team likely will be too awestruck by Smith's athleticism and decent jumper to pass on his star potential. He has worked out for teams with the Nos. 4 through 7 picks.
"I'm getting more and more comfortable," he said with his low-key demeanor. "I'm kind of feeling my swag a little bit."
Smith commanded quite an audience at times, including the new power quartet of incoming owner Robert Sarver, Chairman Jerry Colangelo, President/General Manager Bryan Colangelo and adviser Steve Kerr.
Phoenix also worked out European pros Sasha Vujacic, a 6-7 Slovenian point guard, and Anderson Varejao, a 6-10 Brazilian power forward.
The America West Arena apparatus that measures prospects' vertical leaps had to be extended for the first time after Smith went above the standard height.
Smith's vertical leap was 37 3/4 inches, supporting the 6-foot-8 swingman's reputation as the most athletic player available in the June 24 draft. Smith is a Georgian who just graduated from Virginia's Oak Hill Academy, where he played as a senior.
"Josh Smith is an unbelievable talent," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Athletically, he's probably one of the best leapers I've seen. He's got a lot of upside and a lot of talent."
The Suns knew he could jump, but they have plenty of other characteristics to ponder if Smith is still available when Phoenix picks at No. 7. Many of the queries have to do with his effort, something that was not an issue Sunday, as it had been in his previous workout in Charlotte, N.C. When stoked, Smith responded Sunday.
"That's what they say about high school kids," D'Antoni said of Smith's reputation for inconsistent effort. "When you're so talented and it comes so easily - he's never been pushed - that's something you need to be careful about saying. I've never seen a high school kid have a lot of effort.
" . . . You can always pick things he can't do, but I know a lot of things he can do, and it's pretty impressive."
Sebastian Telfair, another high school phenom, joined Smith on Sunday. Both already have signed multimillion-dollar deals with adidas.
Telfair was sidelined Sunday by a groin pull. Despite hype including a Sports Illustrated cover, the New York point guard appears bound for the back half of the first round.
Some top-10 team likely will be too awestruck by Smith's athleticism and decent jumper to pass on his star potential. He has worked out for teams with the Nos. 4 through 7 picks.
"I'm getting more and more comfortable," he said with his low-key demeanor. "I'm kind of feeling my swag a little bit."
Smith commanded quite an audience at times, including the new power quartet of incoming owner Robert Sarver, Chairman Jerry Colangelo, President/General Manager Bryan Colangelo and adviser Steve Kerr.
Phoenix also worked out European pros Sasha Vujacic, a 6-7 Slovenian point guard, and Anderson Varejao, a 6-10 Brazilian power forward.
