NBA Upside
When it comes to the draft, NBA comparisons are inevitable. It gives a person a projection of what they look like at the NBA level. Marcus Smart can be compared to Kyle Lowry. Both players are fiesty at the defensive end, left college as developing point guards, and have unusually strong upper bodies that allow them to absorb contact in the paint. Smart seems NBA-ready based on his physique alone. While he may not have the burst of speed that Lowry has, he can make up for that with his post-up skills and great physical tools that allow him to attack with positive results. Ball-handling is an issue, as he’s above average when it comes to changing direction, but he’s not on par as Payton when it comes to evading defenders. Perimeter shooting is an issue as well, but that improves with time and repetition.
Payton, on the other hand, is a mix of Rajon Rondo and Dennis Schroeder. All three point guards are quick, creative off-the-dribble, and natural playmakers. All three point guards are above average defenders. All three point guards need help with their perimeter shooting. Rondo was able to escape the jumpshot with center-sized hands and tremendous wingspan. He puts a soft touch around the hoop that is difficult to duplicate. It makes him a better finisher within the painted area. Schroeder, so far, is the most slight of frame amongst all three point guards. Last year was his rookie year, and he has yet to put his skills in full display. Still, at the Nike Hoops Summit, he led the International Team with a convincing win over Team USA. It was Schroeder that dominated the game, not Exum, Wiggins, or Embiid.