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ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks suspended top-scorer Josh Smith for Wednesday

night’s home game against the Brooklyn Nets for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

The one-game suspension, which comes with an undisclosed fine, was announced

Wednesday by Hawks general manager Danny Ferry. The Hawks did not reveal the

conduct that led to the suspension.

Smith was called for a technical foul in Monday night’s 97-58 loss at Chicago. Only

a late basket by Jeff Teague saved the Hawks from setting their lowest scoring total

in franchise history.

The Hawks have lost six of seven.

“Clearly I am competitive and was frustrated by our recent losses,” Smith said in

a statement released by the team. “I understand and respect the team’s actions and

just want to get back on the court to do whatever is necessary to help my teammates.

I apologize for letting them down and apologize to our fans for not being available

for tonight’s game.”

The 27-year-old Smith leads the team with 16.5 points and 2.3 blocked shots per

game. He also is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Smith, an Atlanta native and nine-year veteran, set career highs with his averages

of 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds last season.  Ferry said he expects a positive re-

sponse to the suspension from Smith.

“Josh and I discussed the issue and he understood and accepted this course of

action,” Ferry said. “We are confident that he will respond positively, learn from

this experience and come back with a renewed sense of purpose to the team moving

forward.”

Smith can be a free agent after the season, and his future with the team is a key

for the Hawks. Ferry could decide to trade the 6-foot-9 forward, especially if the

Hawks keep falling in the Eastern Conference standings.  Ferry traded guard Joe

Johnson and forward Marvin Williams before the season.

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