Concerned about Smart's inability to penetrate and create.

[D.o.s.]

edit: stupid page break.

[Future Celtics Owner]

Yeah its my primary concern with his game

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

It could be Rookie Blues
Smarts combine numbers show he has the athleticism to penetrate, and his size and mass must make him more powerful ala Lebron....his bf % could be a lot better than 11%, maybe its something none of us can explain but will hopefully work itself out. All I know is that its complicated.


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marcus-Smart-6284/

[footey]

Have noticed his inability to penetrate/create space all season long.  It just is not in his wheelhouse, athletically.  He is Tony Allen. He is not Allen Iverson. 

[kozlodoev]

Have noticed his inability to penetrate/create space all season long.  It just is not in his wheelhouse, athletically.  He is Tony Allen. He is not Allen Iverson.

Tony Allen was pretty good with one-step straight-line drives to the hoop though...

[iadera]

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.

Exactly! He is very similar kind of player to Bradley. I advise him to do what Bradley did. Improve his shooting abilities. That is what you can make always better, just like defense.
Lacking dribbling and penetration abilities naturaly moves him to SG.

[Kane3387]

Definitely concerning.

[shrinkage36]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. The more you do something, the better you get at it. Marcus Smart has no plays run for him in the offense. All the plays go through Isaiah, Turner or Bass, and sometimes Zeller. So how then you learn the speed of penetrating to the basket with very little opportunities? Not to mention, the refs aren't calling all the bumping he gets going to the basket as they do the other guys. Smart gets mauled going to the basket, but if you breathe on Wade, they darn near call a tech.

 I had a pretty decent first step, but for the most part, I got to the basket at will because of spin moves, and sudden movements.

You don't have to be super quick to beat your man off the dribble. Cousins is not terribly quick or fast, and gets to the basket.

I know we want Smart to be Michael Jordan year one, it's not going to happen. If you want to jump off the band wagon, go right ahead, but I just watched him play, and although he fouled out, he absolutely changed that game with his pesky play. He's going to be a stud in this league, no comparisons, he's going to have a style all his own.

[More Banners]

Marcus Banks 2.0?  3 and D point guard?

[saltlover]

I'm not remotely concerned.  He's a rookie who's already shown a ton of growth as the season has progressed.  He's also built like a tank, and will be able to bowing-ball his way into the paint in the future if nothing else.

[loco_91]

His ability to get to the rim has been underwhelming, to be sure, but I'm not overly concerned. He'll learn that there are some matchups in the NBA that he can beat off the dribble, and some he can't. That's fine, as he only has to hit replacement level on offense to be a ++ starter due to his D. With the improvement in his shot, and the BBIQ he's demonstrated, he won't have any trouble being an average or better offensive player even if he is never an explosive offensive force.

[guava_wrench]

Have noticed his inability to penetrate/create space all season long.  It just is not in his wheelhouse, athletically.  He is Tony Allen. He is not Allen Iverson.

TA played above the rim from day one. I don't get the comparison. Also, TA was clearly a 2. And TA didn't even try from 3.

Also, TA could get to the rim through his first step or after a quick jab step after catching a pass. Dpes Smart do that? I don't personally see similar styles.

[guava_wrench]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. The more you do something, the better you get at it.

I've been saying similar. I want to see him force the issue more because that is how he will get a feel for what works in the NBA. On the other hand, he is also learning how to contribute to team success by playing based on today's game instead of playing for next year's games.

[Neurotic Guy]

Not sure what he'll be 5 years from now, but right now I see a rookie who is strong, tough, hard-working, and seems highly dedicated.  I am thoroughly impressed with his dogged determination and his cool head.  He seems like a guy who will work his butt off to be the best he can be. He also seems like a smart guy who knows his assets and limitations.  Couldn't ask for much more from a rookie.   Yes, when you see Elfrid Peyton glide and penetrate, you wonder if Marcus will ever get to the hoop like that.  I doubt he'll ever be Elfrid in that way, but he definitely can be a better all-around player.  I think he wiil be.

[guava_wrench]

It is sad to see that Smart is down to .325 from 3. His success was just due to small sample sizes. He is back to being just bad at scoring.

[Tr1boy]

Smart is like a taller Derek Fisher imo.

little flash. But tough as nails kind of players.