1971-72

The second-year version of the Braves added a pair of decent rookies named Smith. Elmore Smith, a 7-1 center, finished sixth in the league in rebounding with 15.2 boards per game, while averaging 17.3 points. Randy Smith, who played forward despite standing only 6-3, added 13.4 points per game. Another newcomer was Walt Hazzard, a seven-year veteran who had come to the Braves from the Atlanta Hawks. In what would prove to be his final full season, Hazzard averaged 15.8 points while leading the team with 5.6 assists per contest. Kauffman paced the club in scoring with 18.9 points per game, and made his second straight All-Star Game appearance. Despite the additions, the Braves were weak offensively. The club scored the fewest points in the league (102.0 ppg) and recorded the second-fewest assists. Buffalo was especially poor at the foul line, making the fewest trips to the charity stripe and finishing last in the league in free throws made. It all added up to another losing season for the Braves, who finished the 1971-72 campaign with a 22-60 record. Elmore Smith was a bright spot, however, earning a berth on the NBA All-Rookie Team alongside Sidney Wicks, Austin Carr, Phil Chenier, and Clifford Ray.