Exum right now is all hype. He's been talked about but barley seen. We don't really have much comparison of his game. When he played the US in the 19 and under, he started off well, until Smart jump on him. Then he "hurt" his ankle, but was good enough to play the next game and do well. That's what I fear a little about Exum is that he hasn't had to go against tough defense like he will in the NBA.
He hasn't done anything that undrafted guys can't do. I watched a couple of games, and yes, nice feel for the game, and a quick first step. Not crazy athletic like Lavine. I was actually expecting Exum the way he was talked up to play like Lavine has been, and Lavine play like Exum has been. Yes things may change by the time regular season starts. But as of right now I don't feel upset about missing out on the coin toss.
Smart started off slow on the offensive end, but seemed like he was trying to fit in. The last couple of games he got more aggressive and played better. His defense is years ahead of Exum. The way he deflects the passes from the guy hes defending is great,and stats just don't pick that stuff up.
Everyone is saying Exum's ceiling is higher. Well, he has a longer way to go right now. Smart's only real weakness is his shooting. His passing is really good. He only averaged 4apg, but he didn't have that many guys that could finish well. This number will go up with more time and better players around him. If he can get his shooting around 45% and average 18ppg, 8 to 10apg, 1.5spg he's an all star. And I don't think thats a far reach. The kid can play, and he will make other PG's nights long with his D.
I don't know. Exum could be good. I'm just not crying over the coin flip and missing out on him. I like Smart. It makes moving Rondo easier, because we get a guy with the same fire, who has a better shot at becoming a better shooter.
Heck we haven't even seen Young play yet, this could be a whole new story if we got to see him play and see what all the hype was before the car accident.