In this installment of our series before June 26's NBA draft, we look at an athletic guard that is expected to be a top-10 pick:
Marcus Smart
Position: PG
Height/Weight: 6-4, 220
School: Oklahoma State
Marcus Smart surprised those in basketball circles by returning to Oklahoma State for his sophomore season. Already billed as a lottery pick, Smart opted to stay in school and work on his game while leading his club deeper in the NCAA tournament.
A big-time gamble for a big-time talent.
Things didn't go Smart's way on the team side with the Cowboys being ousted in the second round of the Big Dance for a second straight season. However, it mostly worked out on the individual front as the point guard boosted his personal numbers in points (15.4 to 18.0), rebounds (5.8 to 5.9), assists (4.2 to 4.8) and shooting percentage (40.4 to 42.2). Smart also cut his turnovers per game from 3.4 to 2.6.
Though there were some incidents -- most notably Smart shoving a fan against Texas Tech -- that brought about character questions, he still displayed the measurables and skill set that NBA execs covet in a PG.
Strengths
It’s one thing to have ideal size. It’s a completely different thing to know how to use it. Built like a tank at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Smart uses his stout frame to get to the basket at will. The guard isn’t shy about taking contact either, evidenced by his willingness to post up and his 8.1 free throw attempts per game.
NBA
However, Smart isn’t just concerned about scoring. He runs the offense and is a willing passer. Plus, he plays with a certain tenacity that can be seen on both ends of the floor.
Weaknesses
Like most guards coming out of college, Smart could stand to work on his jump shot a little. Actually, he could work on it a lot. He shot just 29.9 and 29.0 percent from three-point range during his two years in Stillwater.
Smart also developed a reputation as a bit of a flopper during his collegiate career. Just ask the fans at Iowa State.
His main flaw though -- at least entering the draft -- will regard his attitude. Smart’s temper came to a boil when he shoved that fan during a loss in Lubbock, but that was hardly the only time his emotions got the best of him. The former Big 12 Player of the Year lost his cool in several games and even kicked a chair during one win over West Virginia.
How he’d fit with the Sixers
Smart would instantly give the Sixers another reliable ball handler, taking some of the pressure off of Michael Carter-Williams to set up every offensive set when he’s on the floor. Not to mention Smart would provide the team with a guard that can consistently finish at the rim while getting fouled. Carter-Williams doesn’t have enough strength right now to get the job done in that aspect and it’s a surprise at times if Tony Wroten is able to convert an open layup, let alone a contested one.
NBA comparison
Evaluators have compared Smart to Dwyane Wade, but I liken him more to Deron Williams. Smart has the explosiveness of a young and healthy “Flash.” Still, his headiness with the ball, ability to get to the rim and willingness to feed open teammates puts him in the mold of the Nets’ starting point guard.
Draft projection
Early lottery (fourth to eighth overall pick).