(This story was originally published in 1995)
OAKLAND — Joe Smith wears a tattoo of a snarling bulldog on his chest. Ask him what it represents and he’ll tell you it’s there because his college teammates call him “The Beast.”
The Warriors certainly hope he can live up to that intimidating nickname after selecting the Maryland sophomore Wednesday with the first pick of the NBA draft. Smith, who doesn’t turn 20 until next month, will be asked to step in and fill the team’s biggest need a tough-minde.