Payton is better suited to putting up numbers right now (not necessarily a better player) but I do feel like Smart has more potential to improve. Payton's shot is utterly completely broken, while Smart's shot is bad but it seems "projectable." (i.e. you could sort of visualize him being an above average shooter in the future).
Payton is a better player. His skillset is better. No question, no debating that. You just can't. If Smart was not the heart that he is, he would not even be in the league.
Payton can drive, and finish, he can get by people. His shot does not need to be great at shooting.
Payton has been a top 5 player last 5 games statistics alone.
Both players have improved this year but Payton has taken his offensive game to another level
That's silly imo. Of course you can debate it.
They're both big point guards with under-developed offensive games. A lot of their advanced numbers are eerily similar. Payton is better at driving and passing. Smart has a better body, is better at defense, and is less bad at shooting.
Three years into their careers, they are roughly comparable as prospects.
Elfrid is a way better offensive player man. It's not even close, how do you tell me Elfrid is under developed? He does not shoot it well , but he is almost unguardable if he gets by you and he does that.
Listen I watch both players and I like both players, but it's not even close at this point to who is a better skilled offensive player. Payton is ridiculously good and he is showing that.
What exactly are we basing this on other than "he drives good?"
The two players score about the same amount of points per 36 minutes, have an identical true shooting %, and smart has a better offensive +/- (which isn't much to brag about, since both are negative.)
Lol PER 36. Are you watching the games, highlights or viewing statistics?
I mean are you kidding me bro?
Payton has a better PER, I guess that's worth something?
I watch the games, I just don't cherry pick the parts I want to support my own preconceived opinions.
Celtic fans are a defeated bunch when it comes to losing out on a comparisons.
If i dig up an old thread all the points that Celtic fans THOUGHT they had are now gone, but what happens? they now forget those and post some dumb stats that they try to support the argument.
Check out Payton's numbers.
Why is he shooting 46 percent now?
Why are Smart and Peyton both shooting , wait , actually Elfrid is shooting a better % from 3?
Why has Payton been on a tear?
Look at Payton's last 5? Where he hasnt shot under 50 percent, meanwhile shooting 54 from 3....averaging 21 points and 8 asissts per game? When was the last time Smart did that?
Payton has improved his game, but it was going to happen , he has to much skills.
I love Smart but he has not improved his offense. The guy is surviving by playing with heart. He is also playing poised on offense and has a really good awareness on the floor as a point guard.