Concerned about Smart's inability to penetrate and create.

[jonaslopes]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

[TwinTower14]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

I am pretty happy with Smart's development, yea I wish he got to the hoop more but I never thought he would hit as many big shots as he has hit this year?  So I guess there is some give and take there. If you told me back in June that Smart would be the starting PG on the C's by March, playing 30 minutes a night, fighting for a playoff spot I would take it.  He is not going to pass like Rondo or Score like Westbrook but he is going to fight on every position like KG  ( on offense and defense )and knock down some big shots in crunch time, what's wrong with that?

[jonaslopes]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

I am pretty happy with Smart's development, yea I wish he got to the hoop more but I never thought he would hit as many big shots as he has hit this year?  So I guess there is some give and take there. If you told me back in June that Smart would be the starting PG on the C's by March, playing 30 minutes a night, fighting for a playoff spot I would take it.  He is not going to pass like Rondo or Score like Westbrook but he is going to fight on every position like KG  ( on offense and defense )and knock down some big shots in crunch time, what's wrong with that?

Nothing's wrong with that. So let's admit it and stop with excuses like "it's his ankle" and "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". Smart has qualities and flaws and his qualities are interesting enough. He is very good player and a nice prospect. That's all.

[TwinTower14]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

I am pretty happy with Smart's development, yea I wish he got to the hoop more but I never thought he would hit as many big shots as he has hit this year?  So I guess there is some give and take there. If you told me back in June that Smart would be the starting PG on the C's by March, playing 30 minutes a night, fighting for a playoff spot I would take it.  He is not going to pass like Rondo or Score like Westbrook but he is going to fight on every position like KG  ( on offense and defense )and knock down some big shots in crunch time, what's wrong with that?

Nothing's wrong with that. So let's admit it and stop with excuses like "it's his ankle" and "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". Smart has qualities and flaws and his qualities are interesting enough. He is very good player and a nice prospect. That's all.

I am in the camp that the ankle is an issue.  Not to play that Uncle Rico role of when I played but high ankle sprains are bad, real bad and linger for several months.  I remember watching an interview with Troy Brown ( I know a different sport ) but he was saying that he got a high ankle sprain in training camp one year and he wasnt the same all year.  He didn't get his quickness and cutting ability back until the next year....Marcus isn't an explosive athlete but I will be shocked if he doesn't get to the rim at a higher rate in year two...

[Fafnir]

Me too. It is frightening how little Smart can beat his man and get into the paint.

Yeah its my primary concern with his game.

[fairweatherfan]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

I am pretty happy with Smart's development, yea I wish he got to the hoop more but I never thought he would hit as many big shots as he has hit this year?  So I guess there is some give and take there. If you told me back in June that Smart would be the starting PG on the C's by March, playing 30 minutes a night, fighting for a playoff spot I would take it.  He is not going to pass like Rondo or Score like Westbrook but he is going to fight on every position like KG  ( on offense and defense )and knock down some big shots in crunch time, what's wrong with that?

Nothing's wrong with that. So let's admit it and stop with excuses like "it's his ankle" and "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". Smart has qualities and flaws and his qualities are interesting enough. He is very good player and a nice prospect. That's all.

I am in the camp that the ankle is an issue.  Not to play that Uncle Rico role of when I played but high ankle sprains are bad, real bad and linger for several months.  I remember watching an interview with Troy Brown ( I know a different sport ) but he was saying that he got a high ankle sprain in training camp one year and he wasnt the same all year.  He didn't get his quickness and cutting ability back until the next year....Marcus isn't an explosive athlete but I will be shocked if he doesn't get to the rim at a higher rate in year two...

I'm not any kind of "real" athlete, and never had access to professional training facilities, but my high ankle sprain took literally over a year to get all the way right...it didn't hurt just walking around but any kind of running or sport-type movement would lead to significant swelling and pain. 

I had to retire from rugby from it because months later even when I didn't take much contact I could barely walk for the next couple of days.  High ankle sprains are no joke. 

Hope this is the explanation for Smart because he's really not showing an ability to get past NBA defenders right now, and he's not a good enough shooter to minimize the issue.

[Evantime34]

I am less concerned with Smart's ability to get into the paint than his ability to finish in the paint. This is just my opinion but it seems like he chooses not to drive into the paint because he can't finish.

To compensate for this when he gets into the lane Smart often looks to draw contact, but as a rookie he doesn't regularly get the call. I think in the offseason he works on his ability to finish in the paint, and gets the benefit of more calls which leads to him attacking more.

[konkmv]

calm down... smart will be an all star.. he will avg 18p 6r 8as in 2-3 years if they unleash him... they still keep him tight, leonard, parker, paul george, started with similar stats their career. he must first understand his strength, his speed, create a better vision... we all seem to forget that he did not enter nba at a winning organization... he must lead a team from his rookie year... it needs time

[littleteapot]

calm down... smart will be an all star.. he will avg 18p 6r 8as in 2-3 years if they unleash him... they still keep him tight, leonard, parker, paul george, started with similar stats their career. he must first understand his strength, his speed, create a better vision... we all seem to forget that he did not enter nba at a winning organization... he must lead a team from his rookie year... it needs time

So critics need to calm down because you know he will be an all star?

[DarkAzcura]

Again this discussion. Look, I agree about Smart's inability to penetrate and create. But we are not allowed to talk about that here. Oh yeah, when some "fan" talk about Rondo's flaws (and I don't deny his flaws)...

Our friend is right: "Problem, is there aren't many examples of point guards who suddenly learn to dribble.  They typically, all come into the league with that skill.  I hope he can develop that but it's unlikely he'll ever be more than average in that category."

No discussion about it. But Smart is a great player, even without dribbling. Amazing defender. And he can develop his shooting more than his dribbling/penetration and be an interesting SG. Wishful thinkers here (man, I really hate wishful thinking) hope he's a Billups, a Deron, a Wade. No, he is a Tony Allen with better shooting. That's not a bad thing. Tony is a solid NBA player. This is not a case of overrate or underrate Marcus. Let's just recognize his qualities and flaws.

He is not explosive and won't be that much. It's not about his ankle. It's not because "they are focusing on learning the offense and improving the three point shot". After how many seasons people will be allowed to say that things?

I personally don't like this type of guard to be my starter PG (i'm a Stockton, Nash, Kidd, Rondo kind of guy). But it doesn't matter, I root for Smart. And it's better to him that we recognize his flaws and put him where he belongs (in my opinion at SG along with a truly PG).

There really is no issue with believing most players don't learn how to dribble in the NBA. I mostly agree with that statement. The issue with that statement, though, is that you believe Smart can't dribble. Avery Bradley can't dribble. There's a reason he fizzled out at PG within months of his rookie and second year. Smart's handle is very steady. He's not breaking ankles or doing sick crossovers, but he has a steady handle. He has the exact type of handle that should improve over the course of his career unlike guys like Bradley who looked completely uncomfortable and rigid with his handle.

The other issue is calling him Tony Allen with a better shot. Yes, both were and are primarily defensive players, but their offensive style is completely different. Allen was very erratic with his handle but could slash at will coming into the league. His first step was great. Smart's first step is so-so but his handle is far more steady. Big difference. Allen was another guy who fizzled out as a project PG becaue his handle was too erractic at times. So yeah Smart isn't Wade with his handle or even Deron, but there is actually no reason he can't be a Billups with his handle. And just like he is not Wade or Deron, he is also not Tony Allen.

[Hemingway]

1s and 5s take the longest to develop.

With all this Tony Allen talk, do you guys remember him in Boston? Remember when he'd get a steal and try to go coast to coast? It was cringe worthy. Out of control, low bball IQ, poor decisions on the court, exc. When he was a FA I agreed with Ainge in not resigning him. He has provd us wrong, but lets not act like its a great comparison to Smart. Smart plays a lot smarter in year one than anything I saw out of Tony in his time here.

[Celtics4ever]

Yeah its my primary concern with his game

Add me to the crowd that thinks he lacks an elite first step.

[Csfan1984]

Maybe he is drinking and smoking too much before the deed. That can effect a man's ability to penetrate and create. I recommend no more than 2 drinks before and no recreational substances for 30 days.

[D.o.s.]

Maybe he is drinking and smoking too much before the deed. That can effect a man's ability to penetrate and create. I recommend no more than 2 drinks before and no recreational substances for 30 days.

30 days? What is this, Lent?

[kozlodoev]

Maybe he is drinking and smoking too much before the deed. That can effect a man's ability to penetrate and create. I recommend no more than 2 drinks before and no recreational substances for 30 days.

30 days? What is this, Lent?

Well, it IS lent, so...