Not that worried about the inefficiency (FG%).
I am more worried by how little Smart has been able to get into the paint off the dribble (a) one-on-one or (b) in the pick and roll. And how that has limited the team's ability to draw help defenders and get opposing teams off balance (since dribble penetration is #1 in league nowadays for doing this).
I think a lot of Smart's FG% problems are down to shot-selection and are easy enough to improve. Needs to take less off the dribble 3s and more stand still 3s. That will make a huge difference to his FG% numbers.
I'd love to see Smart add an 18-22 footer off the PnR like Bradley has. Clearly struggles getting to the rim and engaging the big man defender ... but that pull up shot is often there for him. Good shot for him with his size and strength. He can clear space for himself because of that. I think this shot needs to be a priority for him so he can get some offense off the dribble consistently.
I agree that his efficiency is disappointingly low due to poor shot selection and the volume of 3's that he takes. But I'm still worried about it, mainly because he hasn't been able to finish at the rim, even on strong drives where he makes it there.
The numbers don't show it, but Smart has improved offensively - not from a shooting standpoint, but his playmaking out of the PnR is vastly improved. He's getting more adept at changing speeds, keeping his dribble, and making good pocket/kick-out passes at the right time. We'd all love to see him go to the hoop more, but I think that will come with further experience. I don't have much hope for him ever being a 1 on 1 type of player.
I like the idea of getting the ball the Smart in the post - not for the purpose of setting him up for a shot, but to get him in better position to make a play. That extra step or two from the NBA perimeter - a few steps beyond the NBA 3 point line - really hurts a player like Smart who doesn't have an explosive first step nor a great top speed. If we can get him closer to where he was at college, he'd be able to utilize his size, strength, and physicality more effectively, if he's willing to do so. He hasn't done this so far which is really disappointing, seeing as how he was touted as a physical player in college in going to the hoop (he's obviously physical on the defensive end, so he lived up to that part). I think he'd be more effective in a side PnR closer to the basket near the key as well rather than way out near the 3 point line.
Overall I love Smart. I don't think he's
the future, but I do think that he will be able to serve as a very important piece on a contending team. His intangibles are off the charts.
