Shooting % has a lot less to do with shooting ability than your ability to get a good shot (or take good shots). Dennis Rodman shot 52% for his career. Ben Wallace shot 47%. Shaq shot 58%. Michael Jordan and Lebron James are at 50%.
Having watched Smart for a bit now, he has a long way to go as an offensive player and frankly, I am not sure he will ever get there (unless he really improves his shooting). We already know he doesn't have the handle. But man, he looks painfully slow out there. That is why he isn't driving, because he can't.
Shoot, last night he couldn't really drive by Jeremy Lin (though he did draw two fouls).
I think Smart's offensive potential is better than you give him credit for.
As do I. I think IF the C's continue to develop him as a point guard, he could put up offensive numbers comparable to Kyle Lowry's. I'd say 15-18 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-8 APG with a 35-38% 3pt. When you combine that with his All-NBA defensive potential and all around intensity, you have one hell of a player.
However, his shot has shown serious improvement this year, regardless of the last few games and I think the possibility of him moving to SG alongside an offense minded PG like Thomas is a very real one. In that scenario, with a 3rd guard like Bradley to pass to, we could see 18-20 PPG, 5 Rbs, and 4-6 APG on almost 40% from deep.
Just like with everything else, that's just my projection. But the potential is there. And he's not the kinda kid I'd underestimate.
Topic: Anyone want to bet Marcus Smart wont shoot over 40% this year? (Read 18928 times)