New Marcus Smart comparison?

[tankcity!]

Ron Artest is an okay comp I guess, but that would be Smart's ceiling. Below you will see that Artest would score 18-22 points a game in his prime. And he could guard Kobe or Lebron. Something Smart can't do because of his height. I would love if we had an Artest.

I think Tony Allen is a good comp. I like Hinrich too. Below is a link to Artest's stats. Read it and weep. At least he shot over 40% for most of his career.

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/25/metta-world-peace

if marcus doesn't pan out, shouldn't we all be weeping?

I mean, we're all celtics fans, right?

yea I don't get this. It seems like some people would be happy if he never develops and doesn't stick around the league.

it's honestly really weird

He's our guy. He has gotten better. He's not the best player in the world, but we can appreciate what he brings to the team.

I just refuse to write him off before he turns 27

The only thing I can think of is that he was our first high lottery pick that played for us a super long time (unless I am forgetting someone). It looks like he was our highest pick that played for immediately since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (Jeff Green and Foye went off to other teams). I think our lack of having high lottery picks makes us have ideas of what they should be and how good they should be immediately. The guy has played 139 games.

First have some sense of humor in regards to my weeping comment. Second, I'm just holding the player accountable. He hasn't improved YOY imo. Yes of course I pray to god he will be good, but I'm not going to watch games and gush over him after for making a diving play. WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALL STAR.

Do people not remember the hype surrounding this dude? Do you want me to send you guys to an old Marcus Smart thread based on the day after we drafted him? He was a tier 2 player according to Ford, higher than Jaylen Brown. This isn't freaking Charlotte. This is Boston where the fans are smarting than this and should have high expectations.

I can only see one reason why Smart hasn't improved his shot, and that's because he must not work on his game. I guess you two don't feel that way, but I do. He really does need to shed a few pounds so he would have a quicker step for example. Maybe he should post up more. How about improving your finishing dude? Is that too much to ask?

[tankcity!]

The question Celtics fans should be asking is: how come Brad Stevens values him so highly? He calls him the "sixth starter".

Stevens also continues to play Zeller. He is human too. We'll see what happens next year. I could seriously see Rozier eventually jumping him. I really hope that isn't the case, but Smart needs to play better offensively. Once Rozier gets better on defensive rotations, watch out.

[tankcity!]

Again this seems to underscore what I view as not having a lot of patience. He has played 139 games in his entire career. Two full seasons would be 150-162 for most players. He also had his role change significantly in his first season playing with Rondo controlling the ball versus playing with IT having the ball versus than having Evan Turner be the primary creator versus now leading the second unit offense. If we are to say that these 139 he hasn't shown enough improvements I feel like that is lacking observing how much his role has shifted around.

I'm curious what examples there are of players roughly 6-6'4,'' with a shot selection skewed heavily toward outside jumpers, who went from drastic inefficiency (i.e. <45% EFG) and scoring 8-12 ppg in their first 2-3 seasons, to the production of an above average starter.

The only guy who comes to mind is Billups, and he was an above average to very good three point shooter from his second season (age 22) and on.  I suppose you could point to Mo Williams, but he was a pretty good overall shooter all along, even if his three point accuracy wasn't always consistent.

The other guys with that kind of profile all became career role players -- Jamaal Tinsley, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray, etc.

This is my problem pho. Those career role players are fair comps. You've already stated the issue is that he was drafted high. I know this is crazy, but I actually loved Lavine during the draft. Saric looks like he is going to be better as well. I feel like we purely missed on this pick.

[celticsclay]

Again this seems to underscore what I view as not having a lot of patience. He has played 139 games in his entire career. Two full seasons would be 150-162 for most players. He also had his role change significantly in his first season playing with Rondo controlling the ball versus playing with IT having the ball versus than having Evan Turner be the primary creator versus now leading the second unit offense. If we are to say that these 139 he hasn't shown enough improvements I feel like that is lacking observing how much his role has shifted around.

I'm curious what examples there are of players roughly 6-6'4,'' with a shot selection skewed heavily toward outside jumpers, who went from drastic inefficiency (i.e. <45% EFG) and scoring 8-12 ppg in their first 2-3 seasons, to the production of an above average starter.

The only guy who comes to mind is Billups, and he was an above average to very good three point shooter from his second season (age 22) and on.  I suppose you could point to Mo Williams, but he was a pretty good overall shooter all along, even if his three point accuracy wasn't always consistent.

The other guys with that kind of profile all became career role players -- Jamaal Tinsley, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray, etc.

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small. For example, comparing him to the players you mentioned he is 2 inches taller and 35 pounds heavier than hunter. He is an inch taller and 30 pounds heavier than Tinsley. He is an inch taller and 25 pounds heavier than Murray. Can you seriously imagine Flip Murray being put on Milsap in a player series, even for a few possessions? Also, you realize he is closer in size to someone like Butler than he is to Hunter? Speaking of Butler do you realize in his 3rd season Butler shot 39% from 2 and 28% from 3? He then made a leap in his 4th season to 46 and 37%. Why not ever include something like that in the comparison rather than significantly physically smaller players with less impressive career arcs?

I also found it pretty interesting you glossed over the issue with your Bradley constant improvement narrative. Again take a look at Bradley's regression year 3 and his overall numbers. Not sure how we can make a serious argument that Smart can't improve as much as Bradley.

[alldaboston]

Ron Artest is an okay comp I guess, but that would be Smart's ceiling. Below you will see that Artest would score 18-22 points a game in his prime. And he could guard Kobe or Lebron. Something Smart can't do because of his height. I would love if we had an Artest.

I think Tony Allen is a good comp. I like Hinrich too. Below is a link to Artest's stats. Read it and weep. At least he shot over 40% for most of his career.

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/25/metta-world-peace

if marcus doesn't pan out, shouldn't we all be weeping?

I mean, we're all celtics fans, right?

yea I don't get this. It seems like some people would be happy if he never develops and doesn't stick around the league.

it's honestly really weird

He's our guy. He has gotten better. He's not the best player in the world, but we can appreciate what he brings to the team.

I just refuse to write him off before he turns 27

The only thing I can think of is that he was our first high lottery pick that played for us a super long time (unless I am forgetting someone). It looks like he was our highest pick that played for immediately since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (Jeff Green and Foye went off to other teams). I think our lack of having high lottery picks makes us have ideas of what they should be and how good they should be immediately. The guy has played 139 games.

First have some sense of humor in regards to my weeping comment. Second, I'm just holding the player accountable. He hasn't improved YOY imo. Yes of course I pray to god he will be good, but I'm not going to watch games and gush over him after for making a diving play. WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALL STAR.

Do people not remember the hype surrounding this dude? Do you want me to send you guys to an old Marcus Smart thread based on the day after we drafted him? He was a tier 2 player according to Ford, higher than Jaylen Brown. This isn't freaking Charlotte. This is Boston where the fans are smarting than this and should have high expectations.

I can only see one reason why Smart hasn't improved his shot, and that's because he must not work on his game. I guess you two don't feel that way, but I do. He really does need to shed a few pounds so he would have a quicker step for example. Maybe he should post up more. How about improving your finishing dude? Is that too much to ask?

TP. I don't always agree with you on Marcus and his value/production, but you're right in the sense that he has to work harder on his game. I'm not gonna say I know what he did all summer and that I'm confident he didn't work out enough. But the guy can't even drive to the rim! Is he too slow? Too heavy? What is it? He doesn't have any burst at all, defenders always get in his way and then he has no idea what to do. Maybe add a few dribble moves to your repertoire or something. Some hesitations, crossovers, SOMETHING that will let you get past defenders.

 That was  his biggest strength in college, getting to the rim. But in college, he could overpower guys easily. That's not the case in the NBA. You've gotta have technique and skill too. Not saying he lacks skill, but he has to realize that pure strength won't get it done anymore.

[tankcity!]

Again this seems to underscore what I view as not having a lot of patience. He has played 139 games in his entire career. Two full seasons would be 150-162 for most players. He also had his role change significantly in his first season playing with Rondo controlling the ball versus playing with IT having the ball versus than having Evan Turner be the primary creator versus now leading the second unit offense. If we are to say that these 139 he hasn't shown enough improvements I feel like that is lacking observing how much his role has shifted around.

I'm curious what examples there are of players roughly 6-6'4,'' with a shot selection skewed heavily toward outside jumpers, who went from drastic inefficiency (i.e. <45% EFG) and scoring 8-12 ppg in their first 2-3 seasons, to the production of an above average starter.

The only guy who comes to mind is Billups, and he was an above average to very good three point shooter from his second season (age 22) and on.  I suppose you could point to Mo Williams, but he was a pretty good overall shooter all along, even if his three point accuracy wasn't always consistent.

The other guys with that kind of profile all became career role players -- Jamaal Tinsley, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray, etc.

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small. For example, comparing him to the players you mentioned he is 2 inches taller and 35 pounds heavier than hunter. He is an inch taller and 30 pounds heavier than Tinsley. He is an inch taller and 25 pounds heavier than Murray. Can you seriously imagine Flip Murray being put on Milsap in a player series, even for a few possessions? Also, you realize he is closer in size to someone like Butler than he is to Hunter? Speaking of Butler do you realize in his 3rd season Butler shot 39% from 2 and 28% from 3? He then made a leap in his 4th season to 46 and 37%. Why not ever include something like that in the comparison rather than significantly physically smaller players with less impressive career arcs?

I also found it pretty interesting you glossed over the issue with your Bradley constant improvement narrative. Again take a look at Bradley's regression year 3 and his overall numbers. Not sure how we can make a serious argument that Smart can't improve as much as Bradley.

You pose an interesting point Clay. Can he improve like Bradley. But maybe you should consider looking at Bradley's 3P% year by year. He never shot as bad as Smart. He is just a better shooter and imo, I don't see the same level of improvement yoy as I did with Bradley. I think that third year he was coming off an injury right? He had shoulder surgery I believe.

[tankcity!]

Ron Artest is an okay comp I guess, but that would be Smart's ceiling. Below you will see that Artest would score 18-22 points a game in his prime. And he could guard Kobe or Lebron. Something Smart can't do because of his height. I would love if we had an Artest.

I think Tony Allen is a good comp. I like Hinrich too. Below is a link to Artest's stats. Read it and weep. At least he shot over 40% for most of his career.

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/25/metta-world-peace

if marcus doesn't pan out, shouldn't we all be weeping?

I mean, we're all celtics fans, right?

yea I don't get this. It seems like some people would be happy if he never develops and doesn't stick around the league.

it's honestly really weird

He's our guy. He has gotten better. He's not the best player in the world, but we can appreciate what he brings to the team.

I just refuse to write him off before he turns 27

The only thing I can think of is that he was our first high lottery pick that played for us a super long time (unless I am forgetting someone). It looks like he was our highest pick that played for immediately since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (Jeff Green and Foye went off to other teams). I think our lack of having high lottery picks makes us have ideas of what they should be and how good they should be immediately. The guy has played 139 games.

First have some sense of humor in regards to my weeping comment. Second, I'm just holding the player accountable. He hasn't improved YOY imo. Yes of course I pray to god he will be good, but I'm not going to watch games and gush over him after for making a diving play. WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALL STAR.

Do people not remember the hype surrounding this dude? Do you want me to send you guys to an old Marcus Smart thread based on the day after we drafted him? He was a tier 2 player according to Ford, higher than Jaylen Brown. This isn't freaking Charlotte. This is Boston where the fans are smarting than this and should have high expectations.

I can only see one reason why Smart hasn't improved his shot, and that's because he must not work on his game. I guess you two don't feel that way, but I do. He really does need to shed a few pounds so he would have a quicker step for example. Maybe he should post up more. How about improving your finishing dude? Is that too much to ask?

TP. I don't always agree with you on Marcus and his value/production, but you're right in the sense that he has to work harder on his game. I'm not gonna say I know what he did all summer and that I'm confident he didn't work out enough. But the guy can't even drive to the rim! Is he too slow? Too heavy? What is it? He doesn't have any burst at all, defenders always get in his way and then he has no idea what to do. Maybe add a few dribble moves to your repertoire or something. Some hesitations, crossovers, SOMETHING that will let you get past defenders.

 That was  his biggest strength in college, getting to the rim. But in college, he could overpower guys easily. That's not the case in the NBA. You've gotta have technique and skill too. Not saying he lacks skill, but he has to realize that pure strength won't get it done anymore.

I'm so sick of bashing Smart. I don't want to do it anymore. I really really don't. But I just get frustrated that he gets a pass from Celtics fans. We should hold him accountable and he should be hearing this from the fans so it gives him some extra fire to improve.

Anyways, I'm done criticizing him. It's still too early to say he hasn't improved this year. We'll see where he is by the end of the year.

If he is a role player. It will not be such a bad thing since he is the leader of the team. It would just be disappointing that he didn't live up to the hype.

I'm done. Bowing out on Smart threads.

[celticsclay]

Ron Artest is an okay comp I guess, but that would be Smart's ceiling. Below you will see that Artest would score 18-22 points a game in his prime. And he could guard Kobe or Lebron. Something Smart can't do because of his height. I would love if we had an Artest.

I think Tony Allen is a good comp. I like Hinrich too. Below is a link to Artest's stats. Read it and weep. At least he shot over 40% for most of his career.

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/25/metta-world-peace

if marcus doesn't pan out, shouldn't we all be weeping?

I mean, we're all celtics fans, right?

yea I don't get this. It seems like some people would be happy if he never develops and doesn't stick around the league.

it's honestly really weird

He's our guy. He has gotten better. He's not the best player in the world, but we can appreciate what he brings to the team.

I just refuse to write him off before he turns 27

The only thing I can think of is that he was our first high lottery pick that played for us a super long time (unless I am forgetting someone). It looks like he was our highest pick that played for immediately since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (Jeff Green and Foye went off to other teams). I think our lack of having high lottery picks makes us have ideas of what they should be and how good they should be immediately. The guy has played 139 games.

First have some sense of humor in regards to my weeping comment. Second, I'm just holding the player accountable. He hasn't improved YOY imo. Yes of course I pray to god he will be good, but I'm not going to watch games and gush over him after for making a diving play. WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALL STAR.

Do people not remember the hype surrounding this dude? Do you want me to send you guys to an old Marcus Smart thread based on the day after we drafted him? He was a tier 2 player according to Ford, higher than Jaylen Brown. This isn't freaking Charlotte. This is Boston where the fans are smarting than this and should have high expectations.

I can only see one reason why Smart hasn't improved his shot, and that's because he must not work on his game. I guess you two don't feel that way, but I do. He really does need to shed a few pounds so he would have a quicker step for example. Maybe he should post up more. How about improving your finishing dude? Is that too much to ask?

TP. I don't always agree with you on Marcus and his value/production, but you're right in the sense that he has to work harder on his game. I'm not gonna say I know what he did all summer and that I'm confident he didn't work out enough. But the guy can't even drive to the rim! Is he too slow? Too heavy? What is it? He doesn't have any burst at all, defenders always get in his way and then he has no idea what to do. Maybe add a few dribble moves to your repertoire or something. Some hesitations, crossovers, SOMETHING that will let you get past defenders.

 That was  his biggest strength in college, getting to the rim. But in college, he could overpower guys easily. That's not the case in the NBA. You've gotta have technique and skill too. Not saying he lacks skill, but he has to realize that pure strength won't get it done anymore.

I'm so sick of bashing Smart. I don't want to do it anymore. I really really don't. But I just get frustrated that he gets a pass from Celtics fans. We should hold him accountable and he should be hearing this from the fans so it gives him some extra fire to improve.

Anyways, I'm done criticizing him. It's still too early to say he hasn't improved this year. We'll see where he is by the end of the year.

If he is a role player. It will not be such a bad thing since he is the leader of the team. It would just be disappointing that he didn't live up to the hype.

I'm done. Bowing out on Smart threads.

Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to bash on him nor am I trying to give him a pass. I am going to object, and loudly so, when people decided he is a career long journeyman point guard that bounces team to team because he doesn't come out guns ablazing in his first 11 games.

[tankcity!]

Ron Artest is an okay comp I guess, but that would be Smart's ceiling. Below you will see that Artest would score 18-22 points a game in his prime. And he could guard Kobe or Lebron. Something Smart can't do because of his height. I would love if we had an Artest.

I think Tony Allen is a good comp. I like Hinrich too. Below is a link to Artest's stats. Read it and weep. At least he shot over 40% for most of his career.

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/25/metta-world-peace

if marcus doesn't pan out, shouldn't we all be weeping?

I mean, we're all celtics fans, right?

yea I don't get this. It seems like some people would be happy if he never develops and doesn't stick around the league.

it's honestly really weird

He's our guy. He has gotten better. He's not the best player in the world, but we can appreciate what he brings to the team.

I just refuse to write him off before he turns 27

The only thing I can think of is that he was our first high lottery pick that played for us a super long time (unless I am forgetting someone). It looks like he was our highest pick that played for immediately since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (Jeff Green and Foye went off to other teams). I think our lack of having high lottery picks makes us have ideas of what they should be and how good they should be immediately. The guy has played 139 games.

First have some sense of humor in regards to my weeping comment. Second, I'm just holding the player accountable. He hasn't improved YOY imo. Yes of course I pray to god he will be good, but I'm not going to watch games and gush over him after for making a diving play. WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED, HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALL STAR.

Do people not remember the hype surrounding this dude? Do you want me to send you guys to an old Marcus Smart thread based on the day after we drafted him? He was a tier 2 player according to Ford, higher than Jaylen Brown. This isn't freaking Charlotte. This is Boston where the fans are smarting than this and should have high expectations.

I can only see one reason why Smart hasn't improved his shot, and that's because he must not work on his game. I guess you two don't feel that way, but I do. He really does need to shed a few pounds so he would have a quicker step for example. Maybe he should post up more. How about improving your finishing dude? Is that too much to ask?

TP. I don't always agree with you on Marcus and his value/production, but you're right in the sense that he has to work harder on his game. I'm not gonna say I know what he did all summer and that I'm confident he didn't work out enough. But the guy can't even drive to the rim! Is he too slow? Too heavy? What is it? He doesn't have any burst at all, defenders always get in his way and then he has no idea what to do. Maybe add a few dribble moves to your repertoire or something. Some hesitations, crossovers, SOMETHING that will let you get past defenders.

 That was  his biggest strength in college, getting to the rim. But in college, he could overpower guys easily. That's not the case in the NBA. You've gotta have technique and skill too. Not saying he lacks skill, but he has to realize that pure strength won't get it done anymore.

I'm so sick of bashing Smart. I don't want to do it anymore. I really really don't. But I just get frustrated that he gets a pass from Celtics fans. We should hold him accountable and he should be hearing this from the fans so it gives him some extra fire to improve.

Anyways, I'm done criticizing him. It's still too early to say he hasn't improved this year. We'll see where he is by the end of the year.

If he is a role player. It will not be such a bad thing since he is the leader of the team. It would just be disappointing that he didn't live up to the hype.

I'm done. Bowing out on Smart threads.

Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to bash on him nor am I trying to give him a pass. I am going to object, and loudly so, when people decided he is a career long journeyman point guard that bounces team to team because he doesn't come out guns ablazing in his first 11 games.

Lol. I love the avatar by the way.

[PhoSita]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

[tankcity!]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

Beautifully said Pho. I know you hate me, but I love you. TP.

[alldaboston]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

He's still got a lot of work to do in that aspect, too. Can't have him taking leaning, catch and shoot/dribble pull up 3s at random times and as a heat check. The one he made yesterday, turning and leaning off the catch, i literally yelled at my TV. It was such a bad shot. Yes he made it, but 9/10 times he will miss it, and miss it badly.

[LarBrd33]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

Based on what you thought we were drafting, are you disappointed in Smart's play so far?

[tankcity!]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

Based on what you thought we were drafting, are you disappointed in Smart's play so far?

You already know the answer Larry. You already know.

[celticsclay]

Honest question. How come you are only willing to include players that are his height or 4 inches shorter than him? He is 6'4 and pretty built (not like he is fat by any stretch). He also certainly does not play small.

Answer: I view Smart as a combo guard, and if you want to find players slotted into that role, you're going to be looking at guys in that size range.

Certainly there are larger guys playing at that position, but I think when you start looking at players listed 6'5'', 6'6'', 6'7'', you start to get guys who had some advantages in terms of seeing the floor and shooting over guys that Smart simply will never have, no matter how much muscle he puts on.


Even so, I did a search setting aside height restrictions and looking only at guys with an AST% > 15.

The only notable new name that came up was Alexey Shved.


The thing is, most of the bigger guys tend to get to the line more often than they jack a three pointer.  That's very much not the case with Smart (5.4 3PA / 36 compared to 2.9 FTA / 36).

Smart's size is a nice feature, especially on defense, but he hasn't really used it to add much to his offensive game.


As for your comment re: Bradley, I stand by what I said previously.  AB to me was a raw player who has improved leaps and bounds since he came into the league and demonstrated gradual improvement, with some noted struggles due to injuries and a necessary increase in offensive workload. 

Smart is a different story to me.  That's not to say he hasn't improved, but to me most of the improvement I've seen has been mental / decisionmaking.  He's not adding huge pieces to his game that weren't there before.

Based on what you thought we were drafting, are you disappointed in Smart's play so far?

LOL.