NB70s: Randy Smith (1971-76)

Randy Smith surprised everyone in training camp, and he made the final roster cuts. Despite standing only 6-foot-3, he was assigned to play forward. He averaged 13.4 points per game in his rookie season. Smith continued to improve beyond expectation, drawing on his tremendous speed, quickness and leaping ability. His style of play, along with contemporaries like Julius Erving, marked by fast breaks and "above the rim" ball movements influenced the offensive style of the NBA in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Playing alongside league scoring champion Bob McAdoo, Smith averaged 21.8 points per game in the 1975-76 season, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

[@jingqi9106]

Randy Smith was a really athletic guard that was a jet and had hops too. His prime years were with the Buffalo Braves in the mid to late 1970s and he played with a strong Braves team that featured players like "Iron Man" Randy Smith, Bob McAdoo, John Shumate, and Ernie Digregorio. Prime Randy Smith was averaging over 20 points a game and he could lead and finish the fast break and he could create his own shot in the half court by out quicking or just jumping over defenders.
Smith was an exciting player to watch and the sight of him getting the ball on then break and dunking with his seemingly effortless jumping ability was a reason to show up to the arena. In the half court, Smith was so quick that he could blow by opponents with his lightning fast first step and finish strong at the rim, he could post em up and simply jump over them, or Smith could catch and shoot with his nice jump shot with his ability to jump out the gym and his high release point. I enjoyed watching Randy Smith play and would make a point of watching if the Braves were playing. Smith also had a quick pull up jumper that was hard to block because of his jumping ability but also because it was so quick. On the break, Randy Smith could also out run the defense and cause problems with his ability to get downcourt and to the rim fast. In the mid to late '70s, Randy Smith was much watch TV if the Braves were on.

[@Amick44]

One of the best guards of the 70s. Shame he's often forgotten today.

[@MrPapageorgio10]

Love the pairing of Randy Smith highlights with Sweet's"Fox On The Run"
Not only did Randy excel on the hardwood. He could've also played for the NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies, but Buffalo's management wouldn't allow him to because of injury risk IIRC

[@furfamilysue]

The Celtics-Braves games in the early 70's were great. Randy Smith, McAdoo, Shumate, Ernie D. gave the Celtics tough times in the playoffs.

[@dalerandall1872]

Yes! The Braves was my team Smith - Macadoo- Ernie D. Love watching them play the Celtics.

[@emerdog6688]

I loved watching Smith play! His thighs were massive.

[@eddiesimms9301]

I remember the Buffalo Braves back in the early '70's. They were among the expansion teams, Portland Trailblazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Diego Rockets etc..
The Braves came into town to play the Seattle Supersonics in '71, and Randy Smith put on a SHOW with his jump shot and dunking the ball, but the Sonics won thanks to Spencer Haywood!!...,Hell Yeah!!

[@shahinpourrahimi2336]

It was a true joy to watch the Celtics vs Braves games. I was a Celtics fan but enjoyed Randy Smith and Bob Macdoo and their teammates. The clip shows great passing and team work near the basket. Much better than watching 40 boring three point shot in a typical current NBA game.
I used to think Randy could be part of USA track team at the Olympics if he wanted to.

[@RamsLakersDodgers]

“They don’t make guards like they used to”-GenX