The Case For Marcus Smart

What can he contribute now?

He can contribute defense at a high level from the get go.  Once he adjust to the NBA game, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was one of the top-two defensive players already on the team.  Just look at what he’s done against Andrew Wiggins.

On the offensive end of the floor, he may force the issue drawing contact in the paint. This isn’t new to Laker fans, who saw an early Kobe Bryant force dribble penetration and take bad shots for several years.  However, once he builds his confidence after making a couple of jumpshots, the rest is history.

Unlike most point guards, he’s comfortable working off-the-ball and in the post area. This allows Kobe Bryant to be an initiator of the offense, while still making Marcus Smart a productive player on the offensive end.  His assist to turnover ratio of 1.84 isn’t the greatest at the point guard position, but some discipline within a halfcourt set would change that greatly.  What is important is, he’ll give the Lakers another player willing to attack the basket.  At times, the offense has seemed stagnant.  Not everyone was a threat to take defenders off-the-dribble.  Marcus Smart can do that beside Kobe Bryant and get defenses on their heels.

Defensively, if he were to get major minutes, he would immediately relieve Kobe Bryant of the toughest perimeter assignment.  His ability to get away with defending point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards at equal effectiveness is a rare talent.  Not only does this save Kobe Bryant some energy on defense, but it also allows him to roam passing lanes to force transition play.  Did I mention that Marcus Smart averages 2.9 steals per game in his 32.7 minutes of play?  Kobe can defend the players off-the-ball.  Smart can force guys into tough shots, or even cough up the basketball.