Draft Profile: Marcus Smart

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Marcus Smart was viewed as a potential top-five pick for the 2013 NBA Draft but opted to return to Oklahoma State for his sophomore season. Smart produced at a high level for the Cowboys, putting up 18.0 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and 4.8 assists per game. However, his sophomore season was marked by an in-game incident that involved him shoving a Texas Tech fan during a road game in Lubbock, Texas. Smart was suspended for three games and dealt with heavy media scrutiny following the incident.

Smart is a very intriguing prospect but his position in the NBA is unclear. He is capable of orchestrating the offense but his greatest offensive strength is scoring the basketball. He really reminds me of a slightly shorter Tyreke Evans, both from a physical and offensive talent aspect (Smart is a much more capable defender). At 6-foot-2 without shoes and 227 pounds, Smart is a physical presence as a guard. He has the strength to be a dominant force at both ends of the court. He can finish through contact around the rim, but he sometimes concentrates on creating contact more than finishing through that contact, a la Jeff Green. Smart can finish with both hands around the basket and possesses good quickness. He’s more quick than fast. He uses angles well when attacking a defender and is very creative with his dribble and ensuing moves. In pick-and-roll situations, Smart rarely attacks the big by turning the corner hard. He is an explosive scorer but also is unselfish. He's a capable passer and can thread the needle, but he tries to do so too often. His mechanics on his jump shot will likely need to be cleaned up when he enters the league; he shot just 42.2 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from long range last season. Two of Smart’s greatest qualities are his competitiveness and his unselfishness. He plays hard and for the team at both ends. Smart has elite strength, hands and anticipation. Those characteristics will allow him to step in and defend right away. He has very good lateral quickness and oftentimes shows tenacity at the defensive end. He will not be out-muscled by anyone he guards. Smart is also a strong rebounder for his position. When a shot goes up, he’s looking to either box out or attack the impending loose ball. He was a bit turnover prone during college and can be loose with his dribble at times. His NBA team will look to have him improve in those aspects, as well as with his perimeter shooting, when he enters the league.

Smart was born to Billy Frank and Camelia Smart on March 6, 1994 in Flower Mound, Texas. He joined a family that already featured three older brothers. Smart remained in Flower Mound until graduating from Edward S. Marcus High School in 2012. He was a star player in high school, leading his team to two consecutive Class 5A titles in Texas. Smart was named a McDonald’s All-American, an ESPNHS first-team All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas following his senior season. He was ranked 10th on the ESPN 100 following his high school career. Smart chose to attend Oklahoma State over fellow powerhouse programs like North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. He signed with the Cowboys on Sept. 9, 2011.