The sharp-shooting Denver Nuggets guard realizes that some will believe it, while some will remain skeptical.

That's fine with him, he's accepted that. But he knows he's changed.

It's been a sobering offseason for the 24-year-old Smith, who spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility after pleading guilty to reckless driving.

Hanging out in an isolated cell for nearly 23 hours a day, Smith had a lot of time for reflection. What he took away from his stint in jail was simple -- wake up each day with a purpose.