Help me get excited about Marcus Smart

[LarBrd33]

I don't follow college ball.  Why should I be happy about this pick?  He's a 6'3 shooting guard who shot 42%/29%/72% on the college level.  From what I understand, he's a ball-dominating guard who needs the ball to be effective.

Of the Top 8, I was under the impression he had the lowest ceiling.  No star potential.  Quality player who can contribute off the bench for a contender or start on a lotto team.  Again, I don't follow College ball... so that was just my impression heading into the draft.

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

Worse than that, all the hype leading into the draft was that a transcendent superstar big man was going to fall into our lap at 6th.  Luckily, I read enough heading into the draft that I knew it was completely impossible Embiid would fall out of the Top 4... so I can't be too bummed about that. 

But Marcus Smart?  How does a ball-dominating undersized guard who can't shoot... mesh with our existing ball-dominating point guard who can't shoot?  And considering this just means Bradley is gone or having his minutes reduced significantly to make room for Smart... doesn't that just undermine the impact of this pick even further?  You traded Avery Bradley for Marcus Start... a mild upgrade at the most?

[kozlodoev]

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

And I heard that Marcus Smart compares favorably with Dwyane Wade at the same age.

Just one point about Exum. Most of the people who "rave" about Exum have probably seen as much Exum as you've seen college ball last season. That is all.

[LarBrd33]

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

And I heard that Marcus Smart compares favorably with Dwyane Wade when he was the same age.

Just one point about Exum. Most of the people who "rave" about Exum have probably seen as much Exum as you've seen college ball last season. That is all.

Interesting.  So Dwayne Wade is the comp?  Is that realistic?

[Monkhouse]

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

And I heard that Marcus Smart compares favorably with Dwyane Wade when he was the same age.

Just one point about Exum. Most of the people who "rave" about Exum have probably seen as much Exum as you've seen college ball last season. That is all.

Interesting.  So Dwayne Wade is the comp?  Is that realistic?

During the NBA Draft if you were watching, the announcers brought up a interesting point.

Smart had the best statistical categories of all prospects in PPG, RPG, and especially SPG. Smart in my opinion from his highlights, and because my friend is a fan of Oklahoma State, we sometimes smoke/drink while watching his games, and Smart just has non-stop motor. He anticipates the passes, and is a dynamic interceptor.

While Smart looks big and slow, that is actually the opposite as his draft measurements at the combine, Smart was ranked top 3 in agility/speed drills. Although Smart isn't the fastest, and I'm not saying he is, Smart has the ability to guard 1-3 positions, which will help because hes a pit bull on defense. He never stops, and always works around the play to try to get the best possible position on defense.

Wiggins vs Smart in 3 meetings resulted in Wiggins turning the ball over 4 times, and two were also not called for blatant offensive fouls.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0utw7005-Pw



The comparison is a slower but stronger Dwayne Wade, and Smart is an absolute beast when it comes to the paint. He also attempted 8.1 FTA in 2013-2014, a modest upgrade from 6.4 in 2012-2013.

While Smart definitely needs more improvement on passing, Smart can also work off ball, and has great movement/mechanics on his shooting form, so I seriously don't think anyone should be hard pressed about his shooting.. Plus to give a perfect example... Did anyone seriously think Kawhi Leonard would ever eclipse past 30% in 3pt this year? He shot around 23%ish in college...

Smart also averages 2.9 SPG, and per 40 3.5.

I still think his bull dog mentality and inner competitive spirit is what will definitely get you warmed up to him. A guy that can score inside, go to the free throw line, has a strong personality, and is a pit bull on defense? Sounds like Celtics basketball to me.

[LarBrd33]

Is the Wade thing legit or is it just a reach people make to compare this to the 2003 draft?

Just looked at their stats, but I understand that's probably not all that helpful considered the teams they played for and everything, right?


Wade averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks, 50%/32%/78%

Smart averaged 18 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists 2.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, 42%/30%/73%

[rutzan]

NBA Draft Success Data by Draft Position / 6-10 / All-Star Percentage = 20%
http://www.theblackfalcon.net/dollarsforballers.com/draft/allstarsdraft.html

NBA Draft Picks: Expected Performance
The 6-10 range show about 1/3 of the picks reaching star status, but lots of role players as well.
http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

[Monkhouse]

Is the Wade thing legit or is it just a reach people make to compare this to the 2003 draft?

Just looked at their stats, but I understand that's probably not all that helpful considered the teams they played for and everything, right?


Wade averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks, 50%/32%/78%

Smart averaged 18 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists 2.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, 42%/30%/73%

You also got to take into ACCOUNT that Smart was playing without their Center, so it really hurt his ability to slash off the pick and roll.

I actually think Wade is the perfect pro player high ceiling type of guy Smart can be. And the best part? Smart is healthier than Wade ever was. There isn't any serious injuries, or anything compelling enough for us to believe Smart may have a more healthier career than Wade will ever have.

[NYDan]

Marcus Smart is a defensive force and physical specimen for a guard, plays hard and does the little things to win games. I'm also a big fan of his character the more I read about him; went through some real hardships and came out a stronger person for it. Still has an edge though, will get under the opponents skin. The kind of player teammates rally around, a natural leader.

[Schiller]

I realize Wade is a good player and all, but I just can't help but be slightly annoyed at the comparison. Hopefully Smart can get the skill without being a complete jerk/flopper.

AND, so I have something to add the the discussion...

Smart had the best statistical categories of all prospects in PPG, RPG, and especially SPG.

He also had the best standing reach and wingspan.

[LarBrd33]

Is this the kid that I heard people say had the same crazed killer mentality as Kevin Garnett or was that someone else?  I specifically remember hearing one of the Top 8 kids just had this constant "F - U" attitude that made him the guard version of Garnett.

[Future Celtics Owner]

Look at his stats. Compare his stats/athletic/measurements with dwade, dwell, cp3,

18pts/7reb/7assists/6stl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO1WS0XeZ9I

This is a fav of mine its a year old open gym of him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMrDjJz6ugU

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Im sorry youre disappointed we didnt get Exum. But that's how tanking works (something you we're all about since the start of last season BTW), just because you tank, doesnt mean you get a sure fire top 3 (or top 5 in this case) pick.

Okay, now to Marcus Smart.

- He's a great defender. He's not a ball hawk as Avery is, but he can lock people down.
- He can score and take over games. Seriously, ask Memphis and  Butler and a few other Big 12 teams.
- He can get to the rim, draw contact and finish. Something you cant say to any of the players the Celtics have right now.
- He can get to the FT line.
- Great skills, great athlete, even greater competitor.
- Shooting is indeed something he needs to improve. Some of it is bad shot selection. Can be fixed.

How do they fit? It will need Smart to improve his shot, but if Calderon-Ellis and Dragic-Bledsoe worked, there's a chance that Rondo-Smart can.

[Future Celtics Owner]

I don't follow college ball.  Why should I be happy about this pick?  He's a 6'3 shooting guard who shot 42%/29%/72% on the college level.  From what I understand, he's a ball-dominating guard who needs the ball to be effective.

Of the Top 8, I was under the impression he had the lowest ceiling.  No star potential.  Quality player who can contribute off the bench for a contender or start on a lotto team.  Again, I don't follow College ball... so that was just my impression heading into the draft.

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

Worse than that, all the hype leading into the draft was that a transcendent superstar big man was going to fall into our lap at 6th.  Luckily, I read enough heading into the draft that I knew it was completely impossible Embiid would fall out of the Top 4... so I can't be too bummed about that. 

But Marcus Smart?  How does a ball-dominating undersized guard who can't shoot... mesh with our existing ball-dominating point guard who can't shoot?  And considering this just means Bradley is gone or having his minutes reduced significantly to make room for Smart... doesn't that just undermine the impact of this pick even further?  You traded Avery Bradley for Marcus Start... a mild upgrade at the most?

I felt the same way. I do not know why his shooting percentages were low.He shot 77% from ft freshman year. Some say it was some shot selection and a dip in his shot. I have seen the dip and it is fixable. Some great pgs come in to the league and get a better shot, I have faith he will be one of them. Its not like Rondo or others that shot 50%ft and have to completely alter their shot. He has to fix the dip and retool. I really do have faith in him being able to do this for one reason he came back for soph year and he loves basketball, and truly wants to be the best he can.

Have some fun and go on draft express and look at Deron Williams, Dwade, cp3, Lillard. check out measurements, athl tests, stats, and see what you take away from it. I personally liked using that approach. You will also see how he dominates in steals.

Anyways I hope this helps

[LarBrd33]

Im sorry youre disappointed we didnt get Exum. But that's how tanking works (something you we're all about since the start of last season BTW), just because you tank, doesnt mean you get a sure fire top 3 (or top 5 in this case) pick.

Tanking is something I was 1000% for... and I have to imagine it will be worth it.  I'm just not seeing the reason to get excited over Marcus Smart.  It's going to really stink if Julius Randle ends up a 20-10 guy out of the gate while Smart struggles to make an impact beyond undersized defensive specialist (Bradley's replacement, basically).  And it's going to stink even more if Dante Exum becomes an iconic player and we missed out on him due to a coin flip.

[LarBrd33]

I don't follow college ball.  Why should I be happy about this pick?  He's a 6'3 shooting guard who shot 42%/29%/72% on the college level.  From what I understand, he's a ball-dominating guard who needs the ball to be effective.

Of the Top 8, I was under the impression he had the lowest ceiling.  No star potential.  Quality player who can contribute off the bench for a contender or start on a lotto team.  Again, I don't follow College ball... so that was just my impression heading into the draft.

The fact that we were a coin toss away from landing Dante Exum... who everyone raves about and I recently heard compares well with Kobe Bryant at the same age...   This seems like a brutally disappointing outcome, isn't it?

Worse than that, all the hype leading into the draft was that a transcendent superstar big man was going to fall into our lap at 6th.  Luckily, I read enough heading into the draft that I knew it was completely impossible Embiid would fall out of the Top 4... so I can't be too bummed about that. 

But Marcus Smart?  How does a ball-dominating undersized guard who can't shoot... mesh with our existing ball-dominating point guard who can't shoot?  And considering this just means Bradley is gone or having his minutes reduced significantly to make room for Smart... doesn't that just undermine the impact of this pick even further?  You traded Avery Bradley for Marcus Start... a mild upgrade at the most?

I felt the same way. I do not know why his shooting percentages were low.He shot 77% from ft freshman year. Some say it was some shot selection and a dip in his shot. I have seen the dip and it is fixable. Some great pgs come in to the league and get a better shot, I have faith he will be one of them. Its not like Rondo or others that shot 50%ft and have to completely alter their shot. He has to fix the dip and retool. I really do have faith in him being able to do this for one reason he came back for soph year and he loves basketball, and truly wants to be the best he can.

Have some fun and go on draft express and look at Deron Williams, Dwade, cp3, Lillard. check out measurements, athl tests, stats, and see what you take away from it. I personally liked using that approach. You will also see how he dominates in steals.

Anyways I hope this helps

What do you think his ceiling is?