He gave 110% throughout the game in every game I've seen him play. His desire to win is evident on the court. His playing style is similar to a shorter, stronger Dwyane Wade (including the flopping). He can distribute the ball like a point guard, play off the ball, post up, and drive to the rim without fear of contact. He's a tenacious defender, good rebounder for his size, and chases after loose balls.
I think the questions are: is he a 1 or 2, his shooting, and his shot selection. I think he can play point guard. If we trade away Rondo, I think he'd be a good pick for the Celtics. If we keep rondo, I'd rather go in another direction.
I'm with you, I like Smart a lot and think he's a lock to be at least a solid player. I'm not sure he has star potential because he's not all that good finishing around the rim but if he can get to the line and become a solid jump shooter, he'll be an above average player who can play on the ball, which would make him a core 3 player on a good team.
I don't think there are any questions about his position. He can really play point guard. One, he has the handle. It's not flashy but he can bring it up against pressure, play pick and roll and handle with speed. He's actually really good going coast to coast. He has the big requisite of a handle down. After that, he can create for his teammates. He is really good at finding his teammates on pick and rolls, timing his bounce passes just right. Then he's good at penetrating and dumping off as well as driving and kicking. If a player can pass in a variety of situations and also handle the ball at an above average level, he can certainly play point guard.
Marcus Banks was one of the lowest basketball IQ players in the NBA. He made a show of rushing the ball down the floor and then had no idea what to do so he just pounded the ball looking into empty space. Smart is not that kind of player.
Smart's shooting percentages would have been better if his coach hadn't run pin down screens from the three point line for all his guards. That kind of shot is only reserved for the sharp shooters in the NBA and he had Smart chucking those every game. It was beyond asinine. When Smart wasn't shooting pin down screen jumpers, his shot selection could still be suspect but he varies his game. Smart's stroke is just fine and against point guards, whom he should enjoy a height and length advantage, he should have more than enough clearance on his jumpers. I could see Smart improving his shot like Kyle Lowry has and I think Smart was a better shooter coming into the NBA.
Between Smart and Gordon, both could have lots of positive defensive value but there are less questions about Smart's scoring ability than with Gordon and while Gordon is a good passer, Smart's ability to handle the ball better should give him more playmaking opportunities. Smart could be a featured player while Gordon could be a high value role player. I'd go with Smart.
Topic: Here's Marcus Smart's draft workout video (Read 24802 times)