Marcus Smart
College: Oklahoma State University
Age: 20 years old
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 227 Lbs.
Position: PG
NBA Comparison: Dwyane Wade
After a spectacular freshman season in 2012-13, one in which the fiery point guard led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to a 24-8 record while averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Marcus Smart decided to pass up the opportunity to enter the historically bad 2013 NBA draft class and return to college for his sophomore year.
While it is still very unclear whether or not that decision will ultimately affect his NBA career in a positive or negative manner, one thing for sure is that Marcus Smart is by no means the guaranteed top-3 pick that he would have been last year’s talent-lacking draft class.
Smart did, however, see an increase in production on the court during his sophomore season, averaging 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per contest.
Strengths:
Fiery point guard with above-average size and instincts at 6’3″, 227 lbs. Very aggressive, good at getting to the rim, uses his size to finish through contact and draw easy fouls. Knocks down his free throws at a high rate, shooting 75.1% during his two year collegiate career. Excellent passer and very unselfish player, averaging nearly 6 assists per game last season. Great at drawing multiple defenders on the drive, and then kicking it out to a teammate for an open three. Tremendous rebounder due to his elite size and strength. Excellent defender with an extremely long 6’9″ wingspan. His size gives him the ability to guard several different positions. Smart is an intense competitor that plays with an obvious and extreme passion for the game, will not hesitate to dive for loose balls.
Weaknesses:
Not a great shooter from three-point range, shooting only 29% from beyond the arc last season. Does not have a deadly jump shot. Needs to improve and be consistent with his all-around shooting mechanics, particularly in fixing his slow release. Lacks patience in the offense at times, leading to preventable turnovers. Smart is sometimes to aggressive and ends up getting called for unnecessary offensive fouls. Lacks that “clutch” factor in late-game situations that a point like Damian Lillard displays. Smart’s body language isn’t good at times, and he often has a hard time maintaining his composure, causing him to make bad decisions when frustrated.
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