[laarethekingsParticipant]

Didn’t have his best game today and looks like they’ll go down but on a bad day when your line looks like 18ps, 6ast, 6stl, 9reb. Yes the bad is 5to’s and 5-12 from the feild.

The knocks are Smart are the 3 point shooting. Which I think can get better. And with this year. He lets his emotions get the best of him.

 

Now tell me why I shouldn’t love this kid as a pro? He’s a pitttbull playing PG. Plays with that fire you see in Westbrook. Which I love. Could become the best defensive PG in the league. Can get into the lane at will. I just don’t see this guy falling past 4.

[WolfRobParticipant]

 As I said in my other post, I love the kid. Love how he plays etc, but as the game evolves, being a threat from the outside is very very important (Rubio would be a top 5 PG if he could shoot).

With those flaws (and the potential of Exum), I could see Dante coming off the board first, which might cause Smart to slip some. Who needs a PG selecting outside of the top 3? Either way, I think he goes in the top 7, and whoever gets him will be very happy. 

 

 

 

[WolfRobParticipant]

 As I said in my other post, I love the kid. Love how he plays etc, but as the game evolves, being a threat from the outside is very very important (Rubio would be a top 5 PG if he could shoot).

With those flaws (and the potential of Exum), I could see Dante coming off the board first, which might cause Smart to slip some. Who needs a PG selecting outside of the top 3? Either way, I think he goes in the top 7, and whoever gets him will be very happy. 

 

 

 

[jwall1Participant]

 I completely agree. We can talke about Wiggins, Parker, and Embiid all day, but none of them play with the grit, passion and toughness of Marcus Smart. He reminds me of a less athletic version of Russell Westbrook… I really think it would be a mistake if he slips out of the top 5..

[jwall1Participant]

 I completely agree. We can talke about Wiggins, Parker, and Embiid all day, but none of them play with the grit, passion and toughness of Marcus Smart. He reminds me of a less athletic version of Russell Westbrook… I really think it would be a mistake if he slips out of the top 5..

[NeggedFolyfe]

also with the markel brown having a great season it has cut into smarts role and production sometimes hes playing off guard and not point  or hes playing pass first point and not scoring it varies game to game but as said before you don’t pass on this guy hes a pitbull

[NeggedFolyfe]

also with the markel brown having a great season it has cut into smarts role and production sometimes hes playing off guard and not point  or hes playing pass first point and not scoring it varies game to game but as said before you don’t pass on this guy hes a pitbull

[jmarg25Participant]

 The only reason Smart drops past 4 is the level of talent and potential in this draft. He and Julius Randle would be the #1 and #2 picks if they were in last year’s draft, but they might not even be top 5 this year.

[jmarg25Participant]

 The only reason Smart drops past 4 is the level of talent and potential in this draft. He and Julius Randle would be the #1 and #2 picks if they were in last year’s draft, but they might not even be top 5 this year.

[unbelievaParticipant]

 I’ve definitely found watching him he lets his emotions/frustrations bother him visibly.  For the most part it hasn’t effected him(pushing fans not included)   

But I love how hard he plays.  Going forward assuming he harnesses the emotions positively, he is a guy you want on your team.  So strong, so passionate.  Will do anything for the team. Just work on that jumper and the skies the limit.  Hopefully he ends up in a situation suited to help him grow as a player and it’ll be fun to watch. 

[unbelievaParticipant]

 I’ve definitely found watching him he lets his emotions/frustrations bother him visibly.  For the most part it hasn’t effected him(pushing fans not included)   

But I love how hard he plays.  Going forward assuming he harnesses the emotions positively, he is a guy you want on your team.  So strong, so passionate.  Will do anything for the team. Just work on that jumper and the skies the limit.  Hopefully he ends up in a situation suited to help him grow as a player and it’ll be fun to watch. 

[MopgrassParticipant]

The inefficiency is hard to look at number-wise and on paper, I wouldn’t pick him in the lottery. But when you watch him play, you can see he belongs at the top. Are there any other PG’s who were really inefficient in college and become efficient in pros?

[MopgrassParticipant]

The inefficiency is hard to look at number-wise and on paper, I wouldn’t pick him in the lottery. But when you watch him play, you can see he belongs at the top. Are there any other PG’s who were really inefficient in college and become efficient in pros?

[Fun one partyParticipant]

 Great player that will be a multiple time NBA All Star.Very strong player with great instincts.Gary Payton type player with a bigger frame than the Glove Payton.Whoever nabs Smart will be joyful.

[Fun one partyParticipant]

 Great player that will be a multiple time NBA All Star.Very strong player with great instincts.Gary Payton type player with a bigger frame than the Glove Payton.Whoever nabs Smart will be joyful.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I’ll give you a couple reasons.

 

1.  Doesn’t have a true position.  He isn’t a pure PG, that’s just not him.  Lacks the instincts and has a horrible ast/to ratio.  Isn’t a true SG because he can’t shoot.

 

2.  Decision making.  Poor passes, very poor shot selection.  Plays outside the system at times. 

 

3.  Too emotional.  I like his toughness, just lets things get to him too much (see Tx Tech).  Not a huge problem, but it’s something that may hinder him if he doesn’t understand how to react in certain situations.  In other words, needs to mature.

 

4.  Average athleticism.  You can really see the problem when he’s at the rim.  Struggles against NBA length converting near the bucket.  Also lacks a quick first step.

 

 

I know about his strength, and tenacity and blah blah blah.  That’s all fine and good, but does someone’s mentality help them overcome other shortcomings?  I hope he succeeds in the NBA, I really do.  I just don’t see a future all star.  He may have some solid seasons, just nothing special.

[HaleParticipant]

Don’t know why you got negged because everything you said is true. I’d probably lean more toward above average athlete instead of average but either way it’s not going to be his strength at the next level. The more I watch him the more I think he’s going to bust hard. He doesn’t have the skills to be a PG, he can’t make up for it with shooting and he’s not a freak athlete. Not to mention his shot selection is horrendous. Over 40% of the shots he takes are 3’s and he’s an anemic shooter, it’s stupid.

[HaleParticipant]

Don’t know why you got negged because everything you said is true. I’d probably lean more toward above average athlete instead of average but either way it’s not going to be his strength at the next level. The more I watch him the more I think he’s going to bust hard. He doesn’t have the skills to be a PG, he can’t make up for it with shooting and he’s not a freak athlete. Not to mention his shot selection is horrendous. Over 40% of the shots he takes are 3’s and he’s an anemic shooter, it’s stupid.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I agree.  I’ll give him that his athleticism is above average.

 

I got negged b/c anytime someone’s favorite player is criticized, kid’s feathers get a little ruffled.

 

 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I agree.  I’ll give him that his athleticism is above average.

 

I got negged b/c anytime someone’s favorite player is criticized, kid’s feathers get a little ruffled.

 

 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I’ll give you a couple reasons.

 

1.  Doesn’t have a true position.  He isn’t a pure PG, that’s just not him.  Lacks the instincts and has a horrible ast/to ratio.  Isn’t a true SG because he can’t shoot.

 

2.  Decision making.  Poor passes, very poor shot selection.  Plays outside the system at times. 

 

3.  Too emotional.  I like his toughness, just lets things get to him too much (see Tx Tech).  Not a huge problem, but it’s something that may hinder him if he doesn’t understand how to react in certain situations.  In other words, needs to mature.

 

4.  Average athleticism.  You can really see the problem when he’s at the rim.  Struggles against NBA length converting near the bucket.  Also lacks a quick first step.

 

 

I know about his strength, and tenacity and blah blah blah.  That’s all fine and good, but does someone’s mentality help them overcome other shortcomings?  I hope he succeeds in the NBA, I really do.  I just don’t see a future all star.  He may have some solid seasons, just nothing special.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

He draws free throws like a PG version of Paul Pierce. Guys just don’t seem to be able to legally guard him. And I love the steal rate, shows he has nice defensive anticipation. Would like to see some more blocks, but as Grandma says, he isn’t the greatest leaper out there. But he is all over the court in many facets of the game. I see his shooting improving to the point where he can catch and shoot wide open threes. That’s probably all he will need. 

I think he gets drafted this year about where he would have gone last year (about 5). He definitely didn’t help his draft stock staying in school another year. He improved a lot, year over year. But it was kind of the improvement one would expect. And it is not enough of an improvement to compete with all the franchise types who are coming out this year. Also, as has been pointed out, we are in the age of PGs. There are at least 20 teams in the league who are basically set at starting PG. Even some of the worst teams like the Sixers are set and not looking for a PG. And especially not a PG/SG. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

He draws free throws like a PG version of Paul Pierce. Guys just don’t seem to be able to legally guard him. And I love the steal rate, shows he has nice defensive anticipation. Would like to see some more blocks, but as Grandma says, he isn’t the greatest leaper out there. But he is all over the court in many facets of the game. I see his shooting improving to the point where he can catch and shoot wide open threes. That’s probably all he will need. 

I think he gets drafted this year about where he would have gone last year (about 5). He definitely didn’t help his draft stock staying in school another year. He improved a lot, year over year. But it was kind of the improvement one would expect. And it is not enough of an improvement to compete with all the franchise types who are coming out this year. Also, as has been pointed out, we are in the age of PGs. There are at least 20 teams in the league who are basically set at starting PG. Even some of the worst teams like the Sixers are set and not looking for a PG. And especially not a PG/SG. 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Not saying he will be as good as Westbrook, but I see the same fire and thoughness, fighting for rebounds and trying to will his team to victories. If you compare his stats with Westbrook in college (sophmore year), they are more or less similar, especially the shooting %. I know, Westbrook played quite a lot of SG (and thus has less impressive stats as a result), but even in the NBA is isn’t your typical PG (which is also almost unnecessary in today’s NBA).

Regular (per 40)    PPG      FG%      2P%    3P%     FT%       RB           AST/TO             STL
Smart              18.0 (22.0)    0.422       0.514    0.299   0.728    5.9 (7.2)  5.9/2.6 (5.8/3.2)   1.6 (3.5)
Westbrook      12.7 (15.1)    0.465       0.497    0.338   0.713    3.9 (4.6)  4.3/2.5 (4.6/2.9)   1.6 (1.9)

 Again, I’m not saying Smart is as good as Westbrook, but anybody with the drive Smart has should thrive in sports, also the NBA. I also see his deficiences (shooting, too emotional etc.), but he will be an incredible player for whichever team picks him up, especially when surrounded by smoother/better shooting players. 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Not saying he will be as good as Westbrook, but I see the same fire and thoughness, fighting for rebounds and trying to will his team to victories. If you compare his stats with Westbrook in college (sophmore year), they are more or less similar, especially the shooting %. I know, Westbrook played quite a lot of SG (and thus has less impressive stats as a result), but even in the NBA is isn’t your typical PG (which is also almost unnecessary in today’s NBA).

Regular (per 40)    PPG      FG%      2P%    3P%     FT%       RB           AST/TO             STL
Smart              18.0 (22.0)    0.422       0.514    0.299   0.728    5.9 (7.2)  5.9/2.6 (5.8/3.2)   1.6 (3.5)
Westbrook      12.7 (15.1)    0.465       0.497    0.338   0.713    3.9 (4.6)  4.3/2.5 (4.6/2.9)   1.6 (1.9)

 Again, I’m not saying Smart is as good as Westbrook, but anybody with the drive Smart has should thrive in sports, also the NBA. I also see his deficiences (shooting, too emotional etc.), but he will be an incredible player for whichever team picks him up, especially when surrounded by smoother/better shooting players. 

[JoeWolf1]

He’s not just an average athlete. He regularly makes plays above the rim and blocking shots, has very good speed and quickness, and is a regular finisher above the rim. From an athletic standpoint, he’ll be fine from a transition standpoint.

I don’t know if you remember this video from the summer. Nothing about what I’ve seen in games, or him goofing around like this says "average athlete"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuyD3JOwnug&noredirect=1

[JoeWolf1]

He’s not just an average athlete. He regularly makes plays above the rim and blocking shots, has very good speed and quickness, and is a regular finisher above the rim. From an athletic standpoint, he’ll be fine from a transition standpoint.

I don’t know if you remember this video from the summer. Nothing about what I’ve seen in games, or him goofing around like this says "average athlete"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuyD3JOwnug&noredirect=1

[gbmantisParticipant]

 comparison: (prime) derek fisher?

[JoeWolf1]

 I don’t think they are close at all.

Smart is a full 3 inches taller than Fisher and although they have some of the same intangable qualities, Fisher’s best offensive asset was his 3 point shot. He shot 375% on  his career. I do not ever see Smart’s deep game being his bread and butter, but rather his defense, ability to rebound for a guard, and ability to finish after taking contact at or above the rim.

Fisher’s career high for points was 13.3 ppg…I’d bet Smart’s rookie season is around that. Smart is probably a 3rd offensive option as an NBA player, IMO, but I think he has All-Defensive team potential, and I would think in his prime he would be about a 16 ppg 6 rpg 7 apg 2.5 spg player.

[JoeWolf1]

 I don’t think they are close at all.

Smart is a full 3 inches taller than Fisher and although they have some of the same intangable qualities, Fisher’s best offensive asset was his 3 point shot. He shot 375% on  his career. I do not ever see Smart’s deep game being his bread and butter, but rather his defense, ability to rebound for a guard, and ability to finish after taking contact at or above the rim.

Fisher’s career high for points was 13.3 ppg…I’d bet Smart’s rookie season is around that. Smart is probably a 3rd offensive option as an NBA player, IMO, but I think he has All-Defensive team potential, and I would think in his prime he would be about a 16 ppg 6 rpg 7 apg 2.5 spg player.

[gbmantisParticipant]

 comparison: (prime) derek fisher?

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 He is not a PG to me. He does not shoot it well. Not all world as a athelete. A pro? Yeah he can come off the bench and bring some energy, but top 5 pick? Naw. Dont see it.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 He is not a PG to me. He does not shoot it well. Not all world as a athelete. A pro? Yeah he can come off the bench and bring some energy, but top 5 pick? Naw. Dont see it.

[Afactor4Participant]

I love Smart, but there are definitely some weaknesses to his game. Some can be fixed (out of control, shot selection, gambling on defense) and others that can’t (slow first step, lateral quickness, athleticism).

He really is a one man show at times as a point guard. Make a defensive play, bring the ball up, run a Pick and Roll, split the defenders, kick out to a wide open shooter, grab an offensive rebound over the bigs, and get himself to the line. Guy’s a stud. Love watching him play. Any team will be lucky to have him.

 

 

[Afactor4Participant]

I love Smart, but there are definitely some weaknesses to his game. Some can be fixed (out of control, shot selection, gambling on defense) and others that can’t (slow first step, lateral quickness, athleticism).

He really is a one man show at times as a point guard. Make a defensive play, bring the ball up, run a Pick and Roll, split the defenders, kick out to a wide open shooter, grab an offensive rebound over the bigs, and get himself to the line. Guy’s a stud. Love watching him play. Any team will be lucky to have him.

 

 

[Author]

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