Steve Smith
The sharpshooter who made seven three-pointers in a quarter and earned an All-Star nod with the Atlanta Hawks in 1998.
Steve Smith is a former professional basketball player who played for several NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, where he earned an All-Star Game appearance in 1998. After a collegiate career at Michigan State, where he became the all-time leading scorer, Smith was selected fifth overall in the 1991 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. He is known for his three-point shooting and won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. Smith also won gold medals with the USA men's national basketball team at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, the 1999 Tournament of the Americas, and the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Jersey Number
- 5
- Notable Achievement
- Key contributor during the 1996 Hawks playoff run
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Smith's time with the Atlanta Hawks began in a trade from the Miami Heat in the 1994–95 season, a deal widely regarded as a one-sided heist by Atlanta. He quickly became a key offensive option, averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game in the 1996–97 and 1997–98 seasons. On March 14, 1997, Smith made a career-high nine three-pointers in a loss to the Seattle SuperSonics. He was named an NBA All-Star in 1998, scoring 14 points in 16 minutes. In the 1998 playoffs, Smith averaged 24.8 points per game in a series loss to the Charlotte Hornets. After five seasons with the Hawks, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a four-player deal.
In Their Own Story
In the 1996 playoffs, Smith led the Hawks in scoring during a first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, averaging 21.7 points over 10 playoff games that postseason. In Game 4 against the Orlando Magic, he scored 35 points, leading all scorers in a win. The Hawks lost the series 4 games to 1. Smith's ability to hit from beyond the arc was a defining trait; he is one of three players to make seven three-pointers in a quarter. His clutch performances, including a game-winning three-pointer to beat Wisconsin–Green Bay in the 1991 NCAA Tournament, cemented his reputation as a reliable scorer under pressure.
Reader's Guide
Smith played 14 seasons in the NBA, with his most notable stint coming with the Atlanta Hawks from 1994 to 1999. He averaged 20.1 points per game in back-to-back seasons (1996–97 and 1997–98) and was named an All-Star in 1998. In the 1996 playoffs, he averaged 21.7 points per game, leading the Hawks past the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Smith also contributed to the San Antonio Spurs' 2003 championship, though he started only 18 games that season due to injuries. After retiring, he worked as a basketball analyst for Turner Sports and the Big Ten Network.
Did You Know?
- Smith is one of three players to make seven three-pointers in a quarter.
- He made a career-high nine three-pointers in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 14, 1997.
- Smith hit a game-winning, last-second three-pointer to beat Wisconsin–Green Bay in the first round of the 1991 NCAA Tournament.
- He led the league in three-point shooting at 47 percent during the 2001–02 season with the San Antonio Spurs.
- Smith scored 25 points, including five three-pointers, in a playoff game against his former team, the Miami Heat, while playing for the New Orleans Hornets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Steve Smith?
Steve Smith was a shooting guard who played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1994 to 2000, remembered as one of the franchise's most beloved figures.
What jersey number did he wear?
He wore number 5 during his time in Atlanta, which became synonymous with his tenure and leadership on the court.
Why is he known as Mr. Clutch?
Smith earned this nickname due to his fearless ability to score game-winning shots when the pressure was highest during crucial moments.
What major honor did he achieve with Atlanta?
He was named an NBA All-Star in 1998, marking a peak individual achievement while representing the Hawks on the national stage.
How did he impact the 1996 playoffs?
Smith acted as a key contributor during that postseason run, providing essential scoring and leadership as the team advanced through the rounds.