Joe Smith Smiles With Paycut

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 16, 1999 / 8:25 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

On the surface, Joe Smith knows it looks bad. He's taking a $9 million pay cut this season to play for Minnesota. But he doesn't stay awake at night thinking about it.

Smith was that miserable with Golden State.

"Money wasn't the issue," the fourth-year forward said prior to Monday night's 101-99 homecoming loss to the Warriors.

Happiness and winning were. That's why Smith spurned a four-year, $40 million contract extension from Golden State in the summer of 1997, opting to take his chances on the free agent market.

With no other viable alternative, the Warriors traded him to Philadelphia in mid-season last year along with Brian Shaw for Jim Jackson and Clarence Weatherspoon. After making Smith the first pick in the NBA Draft in 1995, with plans for rebuilding the struggling franchise around him, Golden State felt used ... again.

Remember Chris Webber?

A mellow, likeable sort, Smith became an instant starter with the Warriors, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds his rookie year, and collecting a team-high 33 double-doubles. He had good numbers again the following season -- 18.7 points and 8.5 rebounds, but lacked the inside presence and work ethic Golden State craved.

Part of the problem was Latrell Sprewell. The two became fast friends, and Sprewell's laziness rubbed off.

Instead of crashing the boards and grinding for his points in the paint, the 6-foot-10 Smith avoided contact and did most of scoring from outside. In his defense, he was young (20 his first season), thin (220) and away from home for the first time. Smith's mother accompanied him to Oakland.

"One person can't do it alone," said Smith, 23. "I thought that I was working as hard as anybody out there. And we still weren't winning."

Gradually, the losing and reloading got to Smith. After missing the playoffs by one game his rookie year, the Warriors hit the skids, eventually trading away Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway. Smith saw a rudderless ship and jumped overboard.

"It was pretty tough," Smith said. "My rookie year we had a pretty good team. I thought we would eventually grow together and become a better team. But then they traded those guys away and it made it a lot tougher."

Much to his surprise, Smith's stock declined after last season, and his choices were limited. Minnesota, primarily because of forward Kevin Garnett and point guard Stephon Marbury, became his best option.

Though his bank account has suffered, Smith hasn't been this happy since his rookie year.

"I'm having fun again playing the game of basketball," he said. "That's the main thing. We're playing hard as a eam and we're winning."

Smith is so enthralled with his new environment, he'll probably pass up more money elsewhere to re-sign with the Timberwolves. His current one-year deal calls for him to earn $1.75 million, but is pro-rated because of the strike and is more like $1 million.

Former Warriors No. 1 pick Joe Smith had a not-so-happy homecoming. (AP)

"I feel pretty good right now, said Smith. "It's not starving. I'm having fun again playing basketball with a great group of guys. Everybody is on the same page. "

"That's why I chose this situation. That's why I'm here. I'm not here just for one year to try and get my stock up. I'm here hopefully for a long-term relationship."

Smith insists his work habits have improved, mostly because of Minnesota vice-president and future Hall of Famer Kevin McHale, who works with him regularly after practice. The crafty McHale played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, leading them to three NBA titles.

"It's been great," Smith said. "He's taught me a few moves in the post, footwork, how to maneuver, and what to do against certain players. I can make more things happen around the basket."

Needless to say, he didn't get that training at Golden State.

"No", he said with a laugh, anticipating the question. "I guess they took my maturity for being older. I was only 19 when I was drafted and 20 when I played my first game. I was a young cat, too. A lot of people didn't realize that, and still don't realize that I'm still young."

Smith was curious how he would be received by the crowd Monday night. It didn't take long to find out. He was booed during pre-game introductions and every time he touched the ball.

Not that he was upset. To him, it was just another game.

"It's really nothing special," said Smith. "I didn't say anything bad about the organization or about the fans when I left."

If Smith harbors any bitterness, it is not readily apparent. If nothing else, he met his fiancee in Oakland.

"There's nothing sour inside of me about anything," Smith said.