Choker wrote:In the long run I'm just projecting Smart's best case scenario. He gets into the lane by his strength, but his strength isn't going to save him in most scenarios in the NBA. When he gets doubled or the defense converge on him, is he going to just barrel over two people? Wade in his prime when he can't use his strength in a similar situation has the ability to maneuver his body to split defenses or juke them out with his handles. I don't think Smart has the athleticism nor handles to do either, he just has his strength.
I'm not knocking his ability to get to the rim and draw fouls, but in those scenarios what are his alternatives or counters? I don't see him consistently punishing defenses by making sweet dish passes, and again he doesn't really have the handles to shake his defender off to create more room when he's driving into the paint.
My argument is more that Smart doesn't have anything else going for him aside from strength. Yeah he's quick but I don't think he's terribly quick. Quick for someone with his strength and bulk but he's just averagely quick in general imo. And his handles and vision are above average at best. When his strength can't save him what else does he have to fall on?
Than you havent watched him enough imo. He's a 2way player with elite defense,rebounding,and shot blocking for his position. Sure in a halfcourt set he might not make the best decisions or have the perfect shot selection at times but what rookie does? Guys like Steph Curry/Lillard will be shutdown by him. He is a better ball handler than you give him credit for aswell. Honestly i think he'll be a nightmare for most PG's aslong as he proves he can hit a 15ter so that they dont go under the screen everytime. He isnt a low IQ PG like Tyreke who falls apart once he cant drive. Smart plays well offball and crashes the boards . He has this weird intagible of ron artest where his hands are like stone when he goes for steals and just strips guys with ease. check it out
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0utw7005-Pw[/youtube]