[BleedGreen808Participant]

 Boston just beat OKC(without Durant) 100-85.  Marcus Smart has now played his best two games as a pro on the road in Oklahoma.  Last year he put up a career high 25pts with 9rebs 5asts, 2stls, and 2blks.  He was an efficient 8-14 from the field and hit 7-12 from 3.  

Today he played what I would consider his best game as an NBA player by setting a new career high of 26pts on 9-14 shooting and 3-5 from 3.  He also had 8rebs, 3asts, 1stl, and 1blk.  It was not just setting a career high in points but how he did it.  Smart was under control for a majority of the game and not forcing up bad shots.  He scored on drives, post ups, spot up 3s, and off the dribble shots.  

Westbrook had 27pts but was only 5-20 from the field thanks to solid defense by the Celtics.  Of with Durant out there it would be much harder to guard Westbrook.  

In his 2 games in Oklahoma, Smart has looked like a different player offensively.  Games like these give me hope that he can be a threat on offense while still being a pest defensively.  He’s not going to be a sharp shooter like a Steph Curry but I think he can pick his spots shooting the deep ball.  Where I want to see him improve is with his handle so he can get to the rim more often.  With his strong frame he is at his best attacking the basket and posting up smaller guards.  

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 The Thunder should look into a trade for him, maybe the Oklahoma State player would have 41 huge games a year if he played for OKC.

Smart has homecourt advantage, he would be a good fit with Westbrook in the backcourt as both of them can play both guard spots.  Not sure Ibaka or Adams is a good fit in Boston, although they need their size and defense.

Seriously, he would seem to have a comfort zone back where he went to college so in twelve months NBA fans can see if he has another big game there.

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 The Thunder should look into a trade for him, maybe the Oklahoma State player would have 41 huge games a year if he played for OKC.

Smart has homecourt advantage, he would be a good fit with Westbrook in the backcourt as both of them can play both guard spots.  Not sure Ibaka or Adams is a good fit in Boston, although they need their size and defense.

Seriously, he would seem to have a comfort zone back where he went to college so in twelve months NBA fans can see if he has another big game there.

 

 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I’ve always been a Smart fan but he has not been the distributor that I thought he’d be in the league

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I’ve always been a Smart fan but he has not been the distributor that I thought he’d be in the league

[BleedGreen808Participant]

I agree watching him at Oklahoma State I thought he would be able to control the offense and set up players more.  Last season, Brad Stevens played him off the ball a majority of the time.  This year he has been running the offense more with Turner moving to the bench.  I’m still open to the idea of him as a 2 guard in the future but right now that would take away from his strengths offensively.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

I agree watching him at Oklahoma State I thought he would be able to control the offense and set up players more.  Last season, Brad Stevens played him off the ball a majority of the time.  This year he has been running the offense more with Turner moving to the bench.  I’m still open to the idea of him as a 2 guard in the future but right now that would take away from his strengths offensively.  

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Definitely the Olynyk effect in action.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Definitely the Olynyk effect in action.

[FrankStallone]

 Here’s Westbrook’s postgame reaction. Note the body language

http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

[FrankStallone]

 Here’s Westbrook’s postgame reaction. Note the body language

http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Welcome back…..

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Welcome back…..

[OhCanada-Participant]

Isn’t it the IP address that gets banned and why return to a site where people view your presence as a negative.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Isn’t it the IP address that gets banned and why return to a site where people view your presence as a negative.

[CynthiaParticipant]

IP’s can easily be changed with moderate networking knowledge. I can change my IP to show that I live anywhere in the world with the click of a button. So unfortunately people like him will just keep coming back, which is a shame because the quality of the site was starting to improve again.

[CynthiaParticipant]

Now if they can manage to figure out his MAC address and ban it, then it’s good game.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Based off the outdated look and feel of this site, I doubt they ban on IP.  Most likely just the user account tied to a specific email.  So all he has to do is create a new email which is even easier then at least making him use a different IP…. or the even harder MAC spoofing.

Either way, for a few days in mid November…. NBADraft.net was fun again.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Based off the outdated look and feel of this site, I doubt they ban on IP.  Most likely just the user account tied to a specific email.  So all he has to do is create a new email which is even easier then at least making him use a different IP…. or the even harder MAC spoofing.

Either way, for a few days in mid November…. NBADraft.net was fun again.

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

Now if they can manage to figure out his MAC address and ban it, then it’s good game.

[CynthiaParticipant]

IP’s can easily be changed with moderate networking knowledge. I can change my IP to show that I live anywhere in the world with the click of a button. So unfortunately people like him will just keep coming back, which is a shame because the quality of the site was starting to improve again.

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Wait, T Rex, is that you?

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Wait, T Rex, is that you?

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

plays with energy and he’ll have good and bad games.  His game is inconsistent. 

I dont’ think he has the skills necessary to become an All-star level player due to lack of consistency, but if he hustles maybe he’ll become that player, I just dont’ think he has all-world athleticism of Westbrook to compensate.

I also don’t think Boston should count on him to be a championship-level starting backcourt player.  The boston fans are making it seem as if he’s arrived because he’s scoring a lot.  You don’t need him to score 26, if he does its kind of sad because of his inconsistency.  You need him to play defense and distribute, get other guys involved instead of putting up bad shots.  

Boston obviously is missing a piece.  I just don’t think their current roster wins a championship even with a Simmons or Ingram or Jaylen Brown.

I think the best fit for Boston is Skal Labissiere, they need a front-court scorer like Labissiere.

 

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

plays with energy and he’ll have good and bad games.  His game is inconsistent. 

I dont’ think he has the skills necessary to become an All-star level player due to lack of consistency, but if he hustles maybe he’ll become that player, I just dont’ think he has all-world athleticism of Westbrook to compensate.

I also don’t think Boston should count on him to be a championship-level starting backcourt player.  The boston fans are making it seem as if he’s arrived because he’s scoring a lot.  You don’t need him to score 26, if he does its kind of sad because of his inconsistency.  You need him to play defense and distribute, get other guys involved instead of putting up bad shots.  

Boston obviously is missing a piece.  I just don’t think their current roster wins a championship even with a Simmons or Ingram or Jaylen Brown.

I think the best fit for Boston is Skal Labissiere, they need a front-court scorer like Labissiere.

 

 

 

  

[FrankStallone]

 Marcus Smart is a stronger Dennis Johnson.

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Marcus Smart is a stronger Dennis Johnson.

 

 

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 His game offensively is inconsistent right now.  My hope is that he can be respectable from 3 and agressive attacking the basket to get to the free throw line.  As a Celtics fan I don’t expect him to score a ton every night.  However, if he can develop into about a 15ppg scorer with his solid defense then he can be a starter on a contender.  

 Getting any one of Simmons, Ingram, Brown, or Labissiere would improve our talent for sure.  However, I still expect the roster to change quite a bit before we could be considered contenders again.  Ainge will have to make trades going forward to bring in more talent.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 His game offensively is inconsistent right now.  My hope is that he can be respectable from 3 and agressive attacking the basket to get to the free throw line.  As a Celtics fan I don’t expect him to score a ton every night.  However, if he can develop into about a 15ppg scorer with his solid defense then he can be a starter on a contender.  

 Getting any one of Simmons, Ingram, Brown, or Labissiere would improve our talent for sure.  However, I still expect the roster to change quite a bit before we could be considered contenders again.  Ainge will have to make trades going forward to bring in more talent.  

[FrankStallone]

 Recall that he went down for a couple games with a toe injury, right when he was starting to play similar to tonight. First couple games back were just shaking the rust off. 

And his defense is a lot more than "solid".

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Recall that he went down for a couple games with a toe injury, right when he was starting to play similar to tonight. First couple games back were just shaking the rust off. 

And his defense is a lot more than "solid".

 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

He is a second year player who just put up 26 against one of the best players in the NBA. That is cause for optimism. 

Why do we treat consistency like it is something Smart should come into the league with? Is it possible that he will develop consistency? All-star caliber players sometimes take a few years to develop, especially in the area of consistency. 

Right now, in 10 games so far this season, he has had his two best games as a pro (in my opinion). My hope for him this year is that he will have more consistent higher highs. As the year goes on, I will want to see less lower lows.

Give the man a few years before we write him off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Smart has outplayed Westbrook in OKC twice in two tries on Westbrook’s home court. Once as a rookie and again last night.

What confuses people is that Smart is more of a combo guard. The people who think he’s a point guard expect him to play like Rondo or something, and the people who think he’s a shooting guard quibble with his 33.5% 3 point shooting and below average mid-range game.

It’s not until you accept him as neither, and both, that he can be fully appreciated. And he’s more than both a PG and a SG. He’s been getting regular minutes at SF, including last night, which allows for 3 guard lineups. That versatility has major value, and few if any can match it.

If Kawhi could average 16 last year and be a top 15 player, so can Smart, whether he does it this year or next or the year after.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Agreed, T-Rex. 😉

Stevens does not care about positions. he cares about basketball players. Celtic fans need to stop worrying about getting a "true center" or "true point guard" or "true small forward." 

The only players that fits neatly into a position on their roster is Zeller, Lee, and Sullinger, but Zeller is getting less minutes, Lee has an incredibly high offensive IQ and is more than just a postup big man, and Sullinger has been doing a bit of everything. 

Imagine a team where all five players can play with the ball in their hands or off-ball. Imagine a team where all five players can shoot the three, drive, and postup. Imagine a team where all players can set up teammates as well as attack closeouts. How do you stop a team like that? Your defense has to have perfect rotations, perfect closeouts, perfect switches, perfect hedges, perfect positioning, because at any point, any player has the ability to take advantage of laziness. 

The Celtics are working towards a team like that, and even though they don’t have a traditional star, it continues to lead to wins. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 That’s why I like Ingram more than Simmons in this next draft. You can play him at 2,3,4, and sometimes 5 and he brings the complete offensive and defensive skillset. Even his laid back demeanor fits in well with the existing leadership of Smart and Crowder.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I’ve only seen a little bit of Ingram, but from what I’ve seen, he looks more like a tall 2-3 than a versatile do-it-all player. Maybe that will come with strength, much like Giannis plays 3-5 now that he is a bit stronger. 

I’m nervous about Simmons too. He looks like a possible All-star, but his shot could really hold him back. 

I really like Skal. I think he could play a positionless style of basketball who shoots, drives, posts up, and plays switching defense. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Ingram is a 2-3 who has center length and Giannis level athleticism. But Giannis can’t really shoot well, and it’s not because he’s raw. He’s not raw, and I don’t think he was raw back in Greece.

Ingram can switch onto 1-5, but doesn’t have a limited offensive game like Giannis and Simmons do.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I’m speaking offensively. He looks like a shooting guard, but 6 inches taller. He is really young and can still develop, but I’m worried that I don’t see a lot of toughness or postup game inside. Durant had some post game at Texas, but Ingram doesn’t look like he wants to post or create contact. 

Again, his college career is young. He might show more, especially as he gains strength, but I do think it is something to keep an eye on. 

Just so we are clear, I like Simmons, Ingram, and Skal for different reasons, but I would be happy with any of them and I think any of them would be a good fit. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 yup. and possibly more could join that top level.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Could Ellenson, Pope, Bender, or Brown get up into that top tier too? Each of those guys could potentially be a good fit too. 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 I was thinking of Bender and Pau Ming, the Gasol/Yao hybrid from China. But yeah, who knows? It’s important to stay open minded this time of year, and throughout the college season and beyond.

Some Dennis Schroeder or Giannis type guy is about to burst onto the radar, and most will write him off because he wasn’t on the radar sooner.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I predict Luwawu will rise

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I predict Luwawu will rise

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 I was thinking of Bender and Pau Ming, the Gasol/Yao hybrid from China. But yeah, who knows? It’s important to stay open minded this time of year, and throughout the college season and beyond.

Some Dennis Schroeder or Giannis type guy is about to burst onto the radar, and most will write him off because he wasn’t on the radar sooner.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Could Ellenson, Pope, Bender, or Brown get up into that top tier too? Each of those guys could potentially be a good fit too. 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 yup. and possibly more could join that top level.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 I’m speaking offensively. He looks like a shooting guard, but 6 inches taller. He is really young and can still develop, but I’m worried that I don’t see a lot of toughness or postup game inside. Durant had some post game at Texas, but Ingram doesn’t look like he wants to post or create contact. 

Again, his college career is young. He might show more, especially as he gains strength, but I do think it is something to keep an eye on. 

Just so we are clear, I like Simmons, Ingram, and Skal for different reasons, but I would be happy with any of them and I think any of them would be a good fit. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Ingram is a 2-3 who has center length and Giannis level athleticism. But Giannis can’t really shoot well, and it’s not because he’s raw. He’s not raw, and I don’t think he was raw back in Greece.

Ingram can switch onto 1-5, but doesn’t have a limited offensive game like Giannis and Simmons do.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I’ve only seen a little bit of Ingram, but from what I’ve seen, he looks more like a tall 2-3 than a versatile do-it-all player. Maybe that will come with strength, much like Giannis plays 3-5 now that he is a bit stronger. 

I’m nervous about Simmons too. He looks like a possible All-star, but his shot could really hold him back. 

I really like Skal. I think he could play a positionless style of basketball who shoots, drives, posts up, and plays switching defense. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 That’s why I like Ingram more than Simmons in this next draft. You can play him at 2,3,4, and sometimes 5 and he brings the complete offensive and defensive skillset. Even his laid back demeanor fits in well with the existing leadership of Smart and Crowder.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

 Agreed, T-Rex. 😉

Stevens does not care about positions. he cares about basketball players. Celtic fans need to stop worrying about getting a "true center" or "true point guard" or "true small forward." 

The only players that fits neatly into a position on their roster is Zeller, Lee, and Sullinger, but Zeller is getting less minutes, Lee has an incredibly high offensive IQ and is more than just a postup big man, and Sullinger has been doing a bit of everything. 

Imagine a team where all five players can play with the ball in their hands or off-ball. Imagine a team where all five players can shoot the three, drive, and postup. Imagine a team where all players can set up teammates as well as attack closeouts. How do you stop a team like that? Your defense has to have perfect rotations, perfect closeouts, perfect switches, perfect hedges, perfect positioning, because at any point, any player has the ability to take advantage of laziness. 

The Celtics are working towards a team like that, and even though they don’t have a traditional star, it continues to lead to wins. 

 

 

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Smart has outplayed Westbrook in OKC twice in two tries on Westbrook’s home court. Once as a rookie and again last night.

What confuses people is that Smart is more of a combo guard. The people who think he’s a point guard expect him to play like Rondo or something, and the people who think he’s a shooting guard quibble with his 33.5% 3 point shooting and below average mid-range game.

It’s not until you accept him as neither, and both, that he can be fully appreciated. And he’s more than both a PG and a SG. He’s been getting regular minutes at SF, including last night, which allows for 3 guard lineups. That versatility has major value, and few if any can match it.

If Kawhi could average 16 last year and be a top 15 player, so can Smart, whether he does it this year or next or the year after.

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

He is a second year player who just put up 26 against one of the best players in the NBA. That is cause for optimism. 

Why do we treat consistency like it is something Smart should come into the league with? Is it possible that he will develop consistency? All-star caliber players sometimes take a few years to develop, especially in the area of consistency. 

Right now, in 10 games so far this season, he has had his two best games as a pro (in my opinion). My hope for him this year is that he will have more consistent higher highs. As the year goes on, I will want to see less lower lows.

Give the man a few years before we write him off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[markfitz14Participant]

 Smart started off slow but I expected that anyway. He is really taking on a new role having the ball in his hands more. Which is great for him to develop some more vision and handles. This game showed that he is coming into his own. Might be a little up and down this season. But thats him working on his game. Smart has a hunger to be great. If he can really push himself he could be an all star next year. Or at least borderline. Most noteably I noticed his 3pt shot looks better this year. It looked good in preaeason and last night.   

[markfitz14Participant]

 Smart started off slow but I expected that anyway. He is really taking on a new role having the ball in his hands more. Which is great for him to develop some more vision and handles. This game showed that he is coming into his own. Might be a little up and down this season. But thats him working on his game. Smart has a hunger to be great. If he can really push himself he could be an all star next year. Or at least borderline. Most noteably I noticed his 3pt shot looks better this year. It looked good in preaeason and last night.   

[FrankStallone]

Marcus Smart vs Russell Westbrook Bulldogs Duel 2015.11.15 – 53 Pts Combined https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feVyS-vGarI

[FrankStallone]

Marcus Smart vs Russell Westbrook Bulldogs Duel 2015.11.15 – 53 Pts Combined https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feVyS-vGarI

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

Celtics still won. He managed 5 steals. He will never be a strong offensive player. He has been a solid pick still. Just not the future. 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

Celtics still won. He managed 5 steals. He will never be a strong offensive player. He has been a solid pick still. Just not the future. 

[FrankStallone]

 He was +30 for the game. James Harden -27. Smart drew 3 fouls in 15 seconds at one point. The offensive fouls drawn don’t show up as steals, like a bad shooting night does. 

Smart went into Westbrook’s house and Harden’s house in back to back nights, and put the clamps on both of them.

 

Celtics now ranked 6th in the league in nba.com’s power rankings, up from 14th last week.

6-4 now in the toughest part of their schedule, just dominating teams defensively. Led by Smart and Crowder and Olynyk, who was once again stellar tonight defensively. Celtics would be 8-2 but Lee and Zeller started the first 3-4 games. Now they’re end of the rotation.

The 4th best defense in the league got even better tonight. Even IT4 is turning into a ballhawk. Celtics just take the ball for 48 minutes straight.

 

[FrankStallone]

 He was +30 for the game. James Harden -27. Smart drew 3 fouls in 15 seconds at one point. The offensive fouls drawn don’t show up as steals, like a bad shooting night does. 

Smart went into Westbrook’s house and Harden’s house in back to back nights, and put the clamps on both of them.

 

Celtics now ranked 6th in the league in nba.com’s power rankings, up from 14th last week.

6-4 now in the toughest part of their schedule, just dominating teams defensively. Led by Smart and Crowder and Olynyk, who was once again stellar tonight defensively. Celtics would be 8-2 but Lee and Zeller started the first 3-4 games. Now they’re end of the rotation.

The 4th best defense in the league got even better tonight. Even IT4 is turning into a ballhawk. Celtics just take the ball for 48 minutes straight.

 

[natevalParticipant]

 Big win! Smart shot the ball terribly but was still a huge factor in the win, he effects the game in many diffrent ways but will never be a big time scorer. Scal said it best Smart had a very Jason Kidd like game. Smart is fierce competitor that stuff is contagious

[natevalParticipant]

 Big win! Smart shot the ball terribly but was still a huge factor in the win, he effects the game in many diffrent ways but will never be a big time scorer. Scal said it best Smart had a very Jason Kidd like game. Smart is fierce competitor that stuff is contagious

[FrankStallone]

 Yeah it’s like watching a college team. Butler.

Or like watching a movie. Hoosiers.

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 Yeah it’s like watching a college team. Butler.

Or like watching a movie. Hoosiers.

 

 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 They play good defense regardless. Yes he is a good defender. He has ability to aggravate. 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 They play good defense regardless. Yes he is a good defender. He has ability to aggravate. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It’s incredible how much hate this kid gets, especially when you take into account that he wasn’t even a top 5 pick. I think everyone just wants him to be something he’s not because he was touted as a #1 overall the year before in a WEAK draft, and people compared his game to Wade and Westbrook when in reality he should have been compared to Billups, Fisher, or Beverly as his ceiling, expectation, and floor. 

He doesn’t have that ceiling offensively that someone like Billups had, but he has the ability to be, and already is, a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. He is one of the best defensive pg’s i’ve ever seen, reminds me of a young Kidd, and is still only 21. Not even close to his prime yet, and I think he’s one of those players like Kidd who just looks so much better when he’s surrounded by better talent. Now with Sully and IT starting next to him, you notice how he can just play his game and not worry about creating offense for himself and others? He’s put the clamps on two of the best offensive players in the league, and was glued to Korver the other night like he was his shadow. When the Celtics do get that consistent scorer (please, nba gods, give us one of Simmons, Brown, or Ingram. It will make up for losing out on Durant and Duncan) who can make plays consistently, you’re going to see how good Smart really is.  

Already for his career he has a 102 offensive rating, and 104 defensive rating, and is averaging 1,5 spg. I also think he’s shown the ability to play controlled, something many young players can’t do, and this is reflected in his low t/o rate. Also, the dude is just clutch! He already has a few game winnes and clutch daggers under his belt.

Love the kid. I hated the pick at the time, wanted Randel, but now I’m fine with it. Smart is going to be a keystone for this team once they get a all-star level talent, which they seem in position to do so very soon. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It’s incredible how much hate this kid gets, especially when you take into account that he wasn’t even a top 5 pick. I think everyone just wants him to be something he’s not because he was touted as a #1 overall the year before in a WEAK draft, and people compared his game to Wade and Westbrook when in reality he should have been compared to Billups, Fisher, or Beverly as his ceiling, expectation, and floor. 

He doesn’t have that ceiling offensively that someone like Billups had, but he has the ability to be, and already is, a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. He is one of the best defensive pg’s i’ve ever seen, reminds me of a young Kidd, and is still only 21. Not even close to his prime yet, and I think he’s one of those players like Kidd who just looks so much better when he’s surrounded by better talent. Now with Sully and IT starting next to him, you notice how he can just play his game and not worry about creating offense for himself and others? He’s put the clamps on two of the best offensive players in the league, and was glued to Korver the other night like he was his shadow. When the Celtics do get that consistent scorer (please, nba gods, give us one of Simmons, Brown, or Ingram. It will make up for losing out on Durant and Duncan) who can make plays consistently, you’re going to see how good Smart really is.  

Already for his career he has a 102 offensive rating, and 104 defensive rating, and is averaging 1,5 spg. I also think he’s shown the ability to play controlled, something many young players can’t do, and this is reflected in his low t/o rate. Also, the dude is just clutch! He already has a few game winnes and clutch daggers under his belt.

Love the kid. I hated the pick at the time, wanted Randel, but now I’m fine with it. Smart is going to be a keystone for this team once they get a all-star level talent, which they seem in position to do so very soon. 

[FrankStallone]

 You say he’s still young, and not even close to his prime, right after you declare that he doesn’t have Billups’ offensive upside.

Two days after Smart scores 26.

You say he shouldn’t be compared to Westbrook, two days after he outplayed Westbrook for the second time in two or three tries.

No surprise that you hated the pick, and no surprise that you still think he’s not an all-star level talent.

Kawhi Leonard was a top 12-15 player last year while scoring 16ppg. 

Smart is already playing that level of defense, and he has been since at least January.

Now with IT starting next to him rather than Avery Freaking Bradley, Smart can just focus on attacking the rim and drawing fouls like he did in college, something he did about as well as James Harden for two college seasons.

One bad shooting night on the second night of a back to back and you’re already back to sleeping on his offensive upside.

As if Billups was some offensive superstar that Smart couldn’t possibly match, and you’re so smart that you know it when Smart is 21. Just like you "knew" Julius freaking no D Randle was a "better" draft pick.

DPOY level defense IS all star level play, regardless of how the fans in China vote.

 

[FrankStallone]

 You say he’s still young, and not even close to his prime, right after you declare that he doesn’t have Billups’ offensive upside.

Two days after Smart scores 26.

You say he shouldn’t be compared to Westbrook, two days after he outplayed Westbrook for the second time in two or three tries.

No surprise that you hated the pick, and no surprise that you still think he’s not an all-star level talent.

Kawhi Leonard was a top 12-15 player last year while scoring 16ppg. 

Smart is already playing that level of defense, and he has been since at least January.

Now with IT starting next to him rather than Avery Freaking Bradley, Smart can just focus on attacking the rim and drawing fouls like he did in college, something he did about as well as James Harden for two college seasons.

One bad shooting night on the second night of a back to back and you’re already back to sleeping on his offensive upside.

As if Billups was some offensive superstar that Smart couldn’t possibly match, and you’re so smart that you know it when Smart is 21. Just like you "knew" Julius freaking no D Randle was a "better" draft pick.

DPOY level defense IS all star level play, regardless of how the fans in China vote.

 

[FrankStallone]

 I just did a quick search of your Smart comments previously, and it sounds like you supported the pick at the time, rather than Randle as you suggest above.

Please forgive my vitriol above, but consider not putting a definitive cap on a 21 year old player’s offensive upside two nights after they shoot like a superstar while locking up an mvp candidate at the same time.

On the second night of back to backs, guys legs are tired and it affects their shots.

 

 

[FrankStallone]

 I just did a quick search of your Smart comments previously, and it sounds like you supported the pick at the time, rather than Randle as you suggest above.

Please forgive my vitriol above, but consider not putting a definitive cap on a 21 year old player’s offensive upside two nights after they shoot like a superstar while locking up an mvp candidate at the same time.

On the second night of back to backs, guys legs are tired and it affects their shots.

 

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It’s all good, I get it, I just don’t see that offensive potential yet, and don’t think in Stevens’ system he will ever have as much free rain as other young guys do to put up points. Billups did have 10 games his rookie year where he put up 20+ points, so I saw that potential in him back then to be a great scorer. Billups his rookie year as a 21 year old put up 11/4/3/1.3 on 37/33/85, and Smart right now is putting up 11/4/3/2 on 35/25/62. I see they have the same career projection, so I wasn’t attacking Smart, but more so how I believe Chauncy maximized his potential, and think that if Smart does, he will have that ceiling offensively as Chauncy, but with better defense. Which is great. Chauncy was a championship player who won games for every team he played on. 

I also think that as his career goes on, depending on who we draft, Smart is also going to be moved over to the 2 spot, which changes how I view him. I actually like him more as a SG than a PG to be honest with you, because it maximizes his talents more, and frees up his game. In that regaurds I don’t view him as a Wade 30ppg scorer, but more of like you said, a Kawhii type of player who excells at D but has many ways to score the ball. Like Kawhii did though, Smart needs to learn to take the ball inside to be consistent on the offensive end of the ball.

I have total faith in Marcus Smart

[mgreener_34Participant]

 It’s all good, I get it, I just don’t see that offensive potential yet, and don’t think in Stevens’ system he will ever have as much free rain as other young guys do to put up points. Billups did have 10 games his rookie year where he put up 20+ points, so I saw that potential in him back then to be a great scorer. Billups his rookie year as a 21 year old put up 11/4/3/1.3 on 37/33/85, and Smart right now is putting up 11/4/3/2 on 35/25/62. I see they have the same career projection, so I wasn’t attacking Smart, but more so how I believe Chauncy maximized his potential, and think that if Smart does, he will have that ceiling offensively as Chauncy, but with better defense. Which is great. Chauncy was a championship player who won games for every team he played on. 

I also think that as his career goes on, depending on who we draft, Smart is also going to be moved over to the 2 spot, which changes how I view him. I actually like him more as a SG than a PG to be honest with you, because it maximizes his talents more, and frees up his game. In that regaurds I don’t view him as a Wade 30ppg scorer, but more of like you said, a Kawhii type of player who excells at D but has many ways to score the ball. Like Kawhii did though, Smart needs to learn to take the ball inside to be consistent on the offensive end of the ball.

I have total faith in Marcus Smart

[Author]

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