Idea: Consider Marcus Smart for Joe Harris Trade at Deadline

[Chef Parish]

Some people just don't value the quality of defense that Smart provides. It's some of the best in the league. He is the best guard defender in the league. For this team, for this coach's system, Smart's defensive abilities make him near untradeable. For the money and the fit, Smart's value is some of the best in the league.

Joe Harris' ability to shoot doesn't make up for everything else that Smart brings that is better than Harris. More money to get a worse player. No thanks.

I agree that Smart is a very good defender. However, points allowed is a complex interplay of all five players on the court. To calculate how many points Smart is responsible for saving on the defensive end would be complex, but I am skeptical it would be more points than what a high efficiency offensive player would contribute....above what Smart's shooting would give you

Thought I would be nice enough to finish that sentence for you. Because that better efficiency might be worth a point or two but you lose 4-5 points due to Smart's passing and playmaking. So even offensively, Harris isn't as valuable as Smart. Defensively, I think Smart saves about six points more a game than Harris. So overall, I see no reason to trade Smart for Harris.

None of what you’re saying is backed by statistical evidence or fact, but I respect your opinion.

FACT: Smart Beets Battlestar Galatica

[Vermont Green]

Joe Harris is a nice player and the Nets just gave him a nice raise to keep him.  He will be perfect for the new Nets.   He can spot up and take advantage of the defense adjusting to Irving and Durant.  Really a perfect fit.  I suspect they are happy with him and would not trade him for Smart.

For the Celtics though, I prefer Smart.  Harris would be a nice SF off the bench, certainly a need, but I don't see the fit with the starters.  Smart can be deployed in so many ways to help a team.  I see no chance that this trade would even be considered by either team.