The Draft List; Things Have Changed

Marcus Smart

Mar 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) shoots a free throw during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the Big 12 Conference college basketball tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Second on the list is Marcus Smart. Even I have to admit, it’s tough to find a player who has all of the NBA level physical tools to be an All-NBA defender.  That alone already has me interested in Marcus Smart.  Add onto the fact that he’s an aggressive basketball player, an above average playmaker, and has a streaky jumpshot, and a team will pick up someone who is relatively NBA ready at the age of 20.  It’s not like he doesn’t have upside remaining either. His footwork with his jumpshot can improve. His shot selection can improve.  His decision-making can improve.  Those are all qualities that all rookies go through. Those are opportunities considered very fixable for someone who has tremendous basketball IQ.