If I had a chance to trade Smart For Elfrid Peyton I would do it in a heartbeat

[mmmmm]

I don't get people who say Smart isn't a point guard. Whenever they actually let him handle the ball, he hits his teammates with lasers and puts them in good positions. I feel way more nervous when Turner has the ball - I always feel like it's a stupid mistake about to happen.

As recently as a couple of weeks ago I stated that 'for now' (meaning 'then') I saw Turner as probably our best option to start at point guard, given our set of less-than-optimal choices (Evan "high dribble" Turner, confused-rookie Smart, knows-the-offense-but-undersized Pressey and ancient, slow Jameer).

More recently, I'm leaning towards preferring Smart.

Smart looked totally lost on offense earlier but he's started to get some confidence the last few games.

At this point, given that "winning" isn't the priority with this team anymore, I'd just as soon go with Smart.

He at least doesn't dribble the ball up around his chin while wading through the paint, daring the opposing team to swipe it from him.

[BDeCosta26]

Smart is playing like a bust? Marcus Banks 2.0? Do some of you guys even watch the games? Banks never had 1% of the heart and drive to get better that Smart does. And what, just cause his stat line is 7/3/2 or whatever it is after 30 games of his rookie year some think he looks like a bust so far? That's just crazy. Watch the games.

Marcus Smart makes plays. He impacts the game in a multitude of ways that just don't really show up on the stat sheet. He's the most NBA ready backcourt defender I've ever seen from a rookie in my 15 years of closely following the league. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious to his teammates. Hell, it gets me pumped up just watching him play. When your floor is a TA type player, I'll take it, especially when your ceiling is 10 times higher than that.

We need to remember that many great NBA players put up very middling stats for their rookie and sometimes even sophomore seasons. Kobe Bryant posted 7 PPG his rookie year, and only 15 the next season when he played a larger, more featured role than Smart is playing for us this year. I'm not saying he's the next Kobe, but I'm saying when your looking at a rookie in the NBA it's more important that they for one, make your team better by doing more than just putting up points or dropping dimes and two, that they are not only getting better but they have the drive to continue getting better.

He shot just under 30% from 3 in college I believe (feel free to correct that) from a shorter 3pt line. He's up to a solid 35% for the Cs, which means he's already improving his shot, which was his biggest knock coming out of college. I mean, c'mon, did you see that dagger he put up last night? Kid has Ice water in his veins. He wants that shot, and he'll make that shot. He is the true definition of a difference maker. You build around guys like him.

I'm not quite sure just how high his ceiling is, or if he is a PG or a SG. But I know he's got more potential than Elfrid Payton, and we would regret that trade for years to come. I wouldn't trade Smart for Payton and Gordon combined.

[fantankerous]

Neither player is very good.  I wouldn't do this trade because it is simply trading crap for crap.  However, I wouldn't be upset if it happened.

Edit: in addition,  "heart" and "toughness" are frequently just euphemisms for talentless.

[manl_lui]

Smart is playing like a bust? Marcus Banks 2.0? Do some of you guys even watch the games? Banks never had 1% of the heart and drive to get better that Smart does. And what, just cause his stat line is 7/3/2 or whatever it is after 30 games of his rookie year some think he looks like a bust so far? That's just crazy. Watch the games.

Marcus Smart makes plays. He impacts the game in a multitude of ways that just don't really show up on the stat sheet. He's the most NBA ready backcourt defender I've ever seen from a rookie in my 15 years of closely following the league. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious to his teammates. Hell, it gets me pumped up just watching him play. When your floor is a TA type player, I'll take it, especially when your ceiling is 10 times higher than that.

We need to remember that many great NBA players put up very middling stats for their rookie and sometimes even sophomore seasons. Kobe Bryant posted 7 PPG his rookie year, and only 15 the next season when he played a larger, more featured role than Smart is playing for us this year. I'm not saying he's the next Kobe, but I'm saying when your looking at a rookie in the NBA it's more important that they for one, make your team better by doing more than just putting up points or dropping dimes and two, that they are not only getting better but they have the drive to continue getting better.

He shot just under 30% from 3 in college I believe (feel free to correct that) from a shorter 3pt line. He's up to a solid 35% for the Cs, which means he's already improving his shot, which was his biggest knock coming out of college. I mean, c'mon, did you see that dagger he put up last night? Kid has Ice water in his veins. He wants that shot, and he'll make that shot. He is the true definition of a difference maker. You build around guys like him.

I'm not quite sure just how high his ceiling is, or if he is a PG or a SG. But I know he's got more potential than Elfrid Payton, and we would regret that trade for years to come. I wouldn't trade Smart for Payton and Gordon combined.

that was beautiful , TP for you. Elfrid Payton is good now, but I absolutely LOVE Smart's fire. There are so many intangibles that he brings to the team. I haven't watched much Orlando games but Smart can affect his team off the ball. His energy, his tenacity on D. Did you see his emotions when he hit that 3 yesterday? Dude is intense. I miss those emotions so much after KG left. I want a guy like that on my team who brings it every game. With more games under his belt you definitely see more confidence in him. He's starting to drive a bit more now, it's not noticeable but I do see it now!

[Tr1boy]

Smart over peyton. There is a reason why smart went 6th

[jpotter33]

Smart's heart, passion, and fire alone make him much more attractive to me than Elfrid.

This is a pure grass is greener rationalization. One which, if I might add, doesn't apply context at all between the two players and their respective current roles, teams, and situation.

[Evantime34]

We won't know for sure for a couple years but at this point I would say there defense is comparable. Smart is a million times better shooter already and I expect his shooting to get even better while Peyton's jumper looks permanently broken. Peyton has been better at driving and finishing in the lane, but Smart hasn't really attempted to drive very much.

I see Smart being able to improve his drive game (because he went to the cup regularly in college) while I do not see Peyton being able to improve his jumper, which is why I prefer Smart.

[CFAN38]

At this point we have to take our horse in the race (Smart).

These two will be interesting to watch develop. Both are 20 and have alot of growth ahead of them. It reminds me of when Pierce was a rookie. I so wanted him to be better then Vince Carter. They both where in the same division the same age and same position. Pierce over time got the best of that comparison and I hope Marcus does the same.

Just for comparison their current per 40 stats

Payton 10pts 5rb 8ast 2stl

Smart 12pts 4rb 5ast 2stl

Rondo 11pts 6.5rb 6.5ast 2.8stl

[DarkAzcura]

EP has started almost as many games as Smart has just appeared in. Played in 40 total games vs Smarts 22 games and so far shooting worse also at 6 more minutes per game only .5pts better. He is also no way near the defender Smart is. He does have more ast and reb per but given teams and playing style that is expected. No way I choose EP over Smart.

I don't care about the stats, I watch Payton play, and Smart.....I Like Payton, keyword is I like , but still I think he will be better for sure, i dont think orlando would do it, but i bet boston would.

And Payton is a pretty [dang] good defender.

Wait you think the Celtics would trade Smart for Payton just because of a 20-40 game sample into their rookie years when the Celtics had every chance to take Payton if they really wanted him several months ago? Okaaaay.

[brandonmm94]

In a few years all you guys crapping on Smart will be changing your tune, hes only getting better, I think its absolutely insane some of the things you guys are saying, he hasn't even played a half of a year yet..

[whorod71]

There is no way in hell I'd trade Smart for Payton right now.  It's way too early, and there is a reason Smart was regarded as a much better prospect for then past two+ years.

Defense > edge Smart
Shooting > edge Smart - believe it or not. Payton is shooting 44% from the line.
Creator > edge Payton, for now.  I think Smart's ankle is just now getting healthy.  I expect him to drive and dish more in the coming weeks.
Scorer > push
Rebounder > push - and Smart physicality with big guys is something Payton will never be able to match.
efficiency > Smart - believe it or not
Ball security > Smart by a mile

We won't know for a while who is better between these two, but for the OP to make such a conclusory statement is absurd.

[Eja117]

There is no way in hell I'd trade Smart for Payton right now.  It's way too early, and there is a reason Smart was regarded as a much better prospect for then past two+ years.

Defense > edge Smart
Shooting > edge Smart - believe it or not. Payton is shooting 44% from the line.
Creator > edge Payton, for now.  I think Smart's ankle is just now getting healthy.  I expect him to drive and dish more in the coming weeks.
Scorer > push
Rebounder > push - and Smart physicality with big guys is something Payton will never be able to match.
efficiency > Smart - believe it or not
Ball security > Smart by a mile

We won't know for a while who is better between these two, but for the OP to make such a conclusory statement is absurd.

I would agree to all of this. Smart is a disappointment so far, but it's way too early to give up. If he turns out to be half as good as the hype he'll be the next Jordan

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Me too.

We're probably a select few. Im not saying Payton is going to be a better player, but I think he'll be a safer bet. You can already see good PG skills with Payton, and while he may not be as good as Smart, Elfrid can also defend.

I just feel like at worst, we'll get a starting level PG in Payton. Marcus Smart's worst case scenario to me is not as good as Payton's.

[BDeCosta26]

Smart is playing like a bust? Marcus Banks 2.0? Do some of you guys even watch the games? Banks never had 1% of the heart and drive to get better that Smart does. And what, just cause his stat line is 7/3/2 or whatever it is after 30 games of his rookie year some think he looks like a bust so far? That's just crazy. Watch the games.

Marcus Smart makes plays. He impacts the game in a multitude of ways that just don't really show up on the stat sheet. He's the most NBA ready backcourt defender I've ever seen from a rookie in my 15 years of closely following the league. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious to his teammates. Hell, it gets me pumped up just watching him play. When your floor is a TA type player, I'll take it, especially when your ceiling is 10 times higher than that.

We need to remember that many great NBA players put up very middling stats for their rookie and sometimes even sophomore seasons. Kobe Bryant posted 7 PPG his rookie year, and only 15 the next season when he played a larger, more featured role than Smart is playing for us this year. I'm not saying he's the next Kobe, but I'm saying when your looking at a rookie in the NBA it's more important that they for one, make your team better by doing more than just putting up points or dropping dimes and two, that they are not only getting better but they have the drive to continue getting better.

He shot just under 30% from 3 in college I believe (feel free to correct that) from a shorter 3pt line. He's up to a solid 35% for the Cs, which means he's already improving his shot, which was his biggest knock coming out of college. I mean, c'mon, did you see that dagger he put up last night? Kid has Ice water in his veins. He wants that shot, and he'll make that shot. He is the true definition of a difference maker. You build around guys like him.

I'm not quite sure just how high his ceiling is, or if he is a PG or a SG. But I know he's got more potential than Elfrid Payton, and we would regret that trade for years to come. I wouldn't trade Smart for Payton and Gordon combined.

that was beautiful , TP for you. Elfrid Payton is good now, but I absolutely LOVE Smart's fire. There are so many intangibles that he brings to the team. I haven't watched much Orlando games but Smart can affect his team off the ball. His energy, his tenacity on D. Did you see his emotions when he hit that 3 yesterday? Dude is intense. I miss those emotions so much after KG left. I want a guy like that on my team who brings it every game. With more games under his belt you definitely see more confidence in him. He's starting to drive a bit more now, it's not noticeable but I do see it now!

He acted like he just hit the biggest shot of his life. And just like another game ending dagger I saw him drain this season, he knew it was good the second it left his hand. That's what star players do. You build around players like Marcus Smart.

I miss that kinda passion too, but I really like what Danny has going here right now. With him, Crowder and Bradley on the court last night, the Cs stuck to the Pels like glue and their high energy level wore off on Sullinger who played one of his best games this year. Of those 4 only Smart and possibly Sully will start of the next good Celtics team. But I hope they're all here. We can bring guys like Crowder and even Bradley off the bench as our 3&D wings.

[manl_lui]

Smart is playing like a bust? Marcus Banks 2.0? Do some of you guys even watch the games? Banks never had 1% of the heart and drive to get better that Smart does. And what, just cause his stat line is 7/3/2 or whatever it is after 30 games of his rookie year some think he looks like a bust so far? That's just crazy. Watch the games.

Marcus Smart makes plays. He impacts the game in a multitude of ways that just don't really show up on the stat sheet. He's the most NBA ready backcourt defender I've ever seen from a rookie in my 15 years of closely following the league. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious to his teammates. Hell, it gets me pumped up just watching him play. When your floor is a TA type player, I'll take it, especially when your ceiling is 10 times higher than that.

We need to remember that many great NBA players put up very middling stats for their rookie and sometimes even sophomore seasons. Kobe Bryant posted 7 PPG his rookie year, and only 15 the next season when he played a larger, more featured role than Smart is playing for us this year. I'm not saying he's the next Kobe, but I'm saying when your looking at a rookie in the NBA it's more important that they for one, make your team better by doing more than just putting up points or dropping dimes and two, that they are not only getting better but they have the drive to continue getting better.

He shot just under 30% from 3 in college I believe (feel free to correct that) from a shorter 3pt line. He's up to a solid 35% for the Cs, which means he's already improving his shot, which was his biggest knock coming out of college. I mean, c'mon, did you see that dagger he put up last night? Kid has Ice water in his veins. He wants that shot, and he'll make that shot. He is the true definition of a difference maker. You build around guys like him.

I'm not quite sure just how high his ceiling is, or if he is a PG or a SG. But I know he's got more potential than Elfrid Payton, and we would regret that trade for years to come. I wouldn't trade Smart for Payton and Gordon combined.

that was beautiful , TP for you. Elfrid Payton is good now, but I absolutely LOVE Smart's fire. There are so many intangibles that he brings to the team. I haven't watched much Orlando games but Smart can affect his team off the ball. His energy, his tenacity on D. Did you see his emotions when he hit that 3 yesterday? Dude is intense. I miss those emotions so much after KG left. I want a guy like that on my team who brings it every game. With more games under his belt you definitely see more confidence in him. He's starting to drive a bit more now, it's not noticeable but I do see it now!

He acted like he just hit the biggest shot of his life. And just like another game ending dagger I saw him drain this season, he knew it was good the second it left his hand. That's what star players do. You build around players like Marcus Smart.

I miss that kinda passion too, but I really like what Danny has going here right now. With him, Crowder and Bradley on the court last night, the Cs stuck to the Pels like glue and their high energy level wore off on Sullinger who played one of his best games this year. Of those 4 only Smart and possibly Sully will start of the next good Celtics team. But I hope they're all here. We can bring guys like Crowder and even Bradley off the bench as our 3&D wings.

we're a really really bad team, but Smart and Crowder is making this team fun to watch. Why? just watching them play their ass off and hustle are something really fun to watch. Like you said, they are playing as if this is the biggest game of their lives! I LOVE those qualities in players. It's just passion and heart. That's something you cannot teach