So it seems that after less than a month the Celtic faithful want to throw poor Mr. Smart out with last nights leftovers. I am here to point out a few things that will redeem your faith in our already maligned draftee.
Marcus Smart is an outlier physically. This is significant because typically players like that succeed because the physical gifts help them to dominate at their position. Smart is nearly as fast and athletic as almost all the top point guards who have entered the NBA recently (His comps to Wall, Irving, Paul and Westbrook are all very close) while being nearly thirty pounds heavier. Think about that for a moment. This kid is right there with speed and leaping ability but is much bigger and stronger. This causes match up problems. You can see it plainly in the number of times he gets to the line. Smart draws fouls at a very high rate. In the spread out, more wide open NBA game that translates well. Compared to others at his position he is just bigger and stronger while being nearly as fast. That will make him hard to guard when you can not hand check or elbow up on guys like players used to.
Smart's size is such a factor he was used in post up situations often. That still will work in the NBA. Who among current PG's will be able to stop Smart from posting them up? If they switch on him it only causes further match up problems.
I admit you can quibble with issues regarding Smart's shooting. However most players come to the NBA with bad outside shooting. Smart's shot is not atrocious and most feel it will improve. If he can get somewhat better it will make his ability to drive and draw fouls even more pronounced.
The fact that Smart draws fouls the way he does bodes well for an outstanding career. Certainly as good as say Eric Bledsoe or a Deron Williams with fire in his gut. I would happily take that.
Topic: Praising Smart (Read 1672 times)