Defense
As mentioned before, Marcus Smart has five defensive tools: height, wingspan, strength, lateral quickness, and basketball IQ. It is all on display against Iowa St., where he defends multiple positions, from the bigger DeAndre Kane at point guard, to the center as well.
Payton has four of the defensive tools. His frame is more slight compared to Marcus Smart. Most point guards in the NBA will have a frame more slight compared to Marcus Smart. Still, he’s in defensive stance consistently, fights screens well, and does an excellent job of using his length, hands, and lateral quickness to force turnovers.
Both players are outright scary against weak ball-handlers.
Both players also had a shot against Dante Exum on Team USA.
Smart got the best results.