I know this is click-baity. It is good--very good. All-NBA defense good.
Still, games like the 37 point Tyler Herro game got me wondering if Smart is really a lock-down defender. Also, remember who was guarding Booker when he put up 70+ against us a year ago. It seems like we've had a lot of games against opposing guards where they went off. Remember the Denver game last year with Jamal Murray?
There's no doubt he is a really good defender. He excels at making timely momentum-shifting defensive plays. He is an excellent helpside defender and one of the most heady defensive players in the NBA.
However, is he elite in one-on-one defense against perimeter players? Is he good? Is he average?