Marcus wrote:Definitely comes off as somebody that may need a pat on the back here and there. Or who could get down on himself and the team if the performance isn't up to par. I think with the right kind of leadership and veteran example he could be a leader himself. Duke made the Boogie comp earlier where a bad team with a bad environment could make a talented kid like him seem like a toxin. I think there might be something to that.
I do think the upside is worth it and I do think the work ethic is there. Physically he gives you what you need at the position. Emotionally is the question right now. I'd still take the shot on him knowing all this if he's a better fit for what I'm doing.
Kolkmania wrote:This is an example where information about Smith's character will decide my verdict on him. I absolutely love his style on the offensive end, it's a perfect fit in the NBA and I had Dennis Smith jr. as my #2 at the start of the season. However, he's been such a poor teamplayer on the defensive end this season. Doesn't communicate, refuses to rotate, shows no willingness to fight through screens etc.
Is it because of a toxic environment at NC State or does he lacks heart? I think he has more talent than Josh Jackson and Lonzo Ball, but they are catalysts for their teams and probably will be for their team in the NBA. Does Smith has the upside, work ethic and character to draft him before Isaac, Ball and Jackson?
I don't think this is a Cousins-type situation at all. Cousins is just way too much of an emotional player. He was like this even playing under Cal. DSJ is different. He has this lack-luster attitude of "IDC". It's the same attitude we saw from Ben Simmons.
I think it's the toxic environment, but also his own inability to commit himself 100%. There's times where he'll just float around for the longest time, then out of nowhere gets aggressive and throws down a vicious dunk. You kinda wish you would see this consistent energy throughout the game, but we don't.
It's funny how people try to make the Fultz=Simmons comparison, when it's just not there. Fultz is a guy who's naturally more quiet and reserved. His demeanor is like younger Harden's. I don't think we've seen more than 2-3 games where Fultz brings questionable effort. However, we see it way too often with DSJ. I think that's the troubling thing. DSJ has a demeanor of Westbrook, he's a natural leader.. but he doesn't show it much.
For the NBA, I think it could be resolved if there's a vet PG to keep him up and make sure he's doing ok. I think DSJ is arguably the best PG in this draft. Fultz is still my #1, but DSJ isn't far off.
