Tyler Ennis vs. Marcus Smart: NBA Draft Prospect Match Up
By Mike Garcia
How Each Player Fits the Lakers
Feb 12, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange forward C.J. Fair (5) and guard Trevor Cooney (10) and guard Tyler Ennis (11) and forward Rakeem Christmas (25) return to the court after a time-out against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Syracuse won 58-56. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Ennis is the kind of point guard that leads a team on the floor. During an 82 game season, teammates can trust his decisions on the floor and build cohesion as a unit. This builds chemistry and allows him to be a pillar of offensive firepower. He is a point guard. He is a quarterback. He is a silent leader.
Marcus Smart is the kind of point guard that may make a few mistakes on the floor, but when he does shine, his talent is dominating on both ends. He would have been an excellent point guard in the triangle offense with his defensive abilities and his shooting guard-like tendencies. He has the vocal competitiveness that a city can stand behind, and a willingness to demand the most from his teammates.
Both players would be excellent fits as Laker players. The Lakers need a leader to draft, and it doesn’t hurt to have a guy who can play both ends of the floor at a high level. It is a matter of taste. Do you want a point guard that can control tempo and breakdown defenses like a chess player? Or do you want a point guard that can hand opponents defensively and punish guys on the offensive end?
Personally, I love how Steve Nash runs a team, more so than Kyle Lowry. It’s just a preference in styles of play. If I had my choice, I’d take Tyler Ennis.