A versatile 3-and-D wing with the athleticism and skill set to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He can stretch the defense by knocking down shots from the perimeter, but also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. Defensively, he has the tools to match up with multiple positions and provide versatility to any lineup. A smooth off-ball player who understands spacing and movement, he consistently finds ways to make himself available and fit within the flow of the offense.

Of all the prospects in this article, Josh sits the furthest away on the outskirts of “needing more attention” as the title suggests. As a nationally ranked prospect hailing from the state of Georgia, his move to Kentucky’s very own North Oldham made national headlines but we’ve yet to discuss it here at Prep Hoops. After their historic run to the state Final Four last season, the Mustangs were already a preseason Top 10 team for most. Adding Smith Jr. alongside the likes of Tommy Gregg Tommy Gregg 6'7" | SF/SG North Oldham | 2027 State KY , Pierre Rondo Pierre Rondo 5'11" | PG North Oldham | 2030 State #3 Nation KY , and Oakland Shearer Oakland Shearer 6'4" | SF/PG North Oldham | 2027 State KY , however, make for an even scarier site out of the 8th Region. Fans of Rajon Rondo and Josh Smith Sr., former high school teammates and NBA veterans, are in for a special treat.

Smith Jr. emerged as the second leading scorer for the Atlanta Celtics on adidas’ 3SSB circuit, consistently producing against some of the top competition in the country. A lanky wing with positional size, he is a reliable perimeter shot maker who averaged nearly 2.5 made three-pointers per game for the Celtics this spring. Smith Jr. spaces the floor well, shoots confidently from beyond the arc, and has the ability to score within the flow of the offense. He is also a capable straight line driver who can attack closeouts and finish effectively at the rim, while his better than average athleticism adds another dimension to his offensive game.

Smith Jr. averaged 13.3 points per game and continues to make steady strides as his junior year progresses. He has good positional size and length, is a reliable perimeter shooter from beyond the arc, and shows the ability to attack in straight lines off the bounce. A better than average athlete, he continues to expand his overall offensive impact and versatility.

The junior wing brings good positional size and length and is off to a strong start as a shooter and scorer for the Celtics. He has above average athleticism and shows defensive versatility with the ability to guard multiple positions. Smith Jr. continues to improve his ball skills and is developing as a creator off the dribble, adding another layer to his offensive game.

The Norcross junior has improved size, strength and athleticism to go along with a more consistent perimeter jump shot. He has also been more active on the defensive end as he has the ability to guard the 1-4 spots at the high school level. Smith will be an intriguing prospect to monitor for the remainder of the high school season and into the spring/summer.

The son of a longtime NBA wing, Smith was impressive in a 54-50 win over Newton. Smith looks bigger, stronger and more athletic since our last evaluation. The junior is a solid shot maker, a reliable midrange game and was very active on the defensive end. Smith Jr. had four block shots and showed his ability to guard multiple positions.

Smith had a good weekend of play at the Invitational, but was on another level in a close win over Wildcats Select 16s, where he splashed at least 6 threes in Game Elite’s 2 point win. The 6-foot-6 wing/guard has a solid build and athleticism to be a high-level positional rebounder, has the handle to create space from his defender to get open looks on the jumper, and gets downhill when the defense over-pursues on closeouts, with the ability to finish at the basket through contact. Smith is a solid on-ball defender, with the size and agility to defend perimeter players, as well as switching off on bigs. What truly stood out about Smith’s game was his fluid shooting mechanics on the 3-ball, where he can light it up in volume from beyond the arc and has the awareness to find the open spots on the court for catch and shoot opportunities. He is a true floor spacer and keeps his team in the game with his ability to catch and fire. 

Big-bodied guard who specializes in catch-and-shoot opportunities. He stretches the floor with his outside shot and adds value defensively with his frame and athleticism. When he finds a rhythm, Smith has the potential to take over games from the perimeter.

Trailing in the second half, Smith caught fire with four threes to push Norcross past Buford. Josh hit five threes total finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. Big guard is a difference maker when playing off the ball as a catch-and-shoot specialist. His size and athleticism give him value on defense.