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NBA Free Agency: Why OKC should avoid recruiting Marcus Smart

By Alex Mcewen

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics dive for a loose ball in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics dive for a loose ball in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Skills: Heart and Hustle

Although the NBA tracks hustle stats it only goes so far. Yet, Smart still led Boston in two hustle categories per game, deflections (2.9 ) and charges drawn (0.24). There are no stats to measure heart, but Smart certainly plays with a lot of it.

The above play is commonly seen in the NBA, once the ball is in-bounded the offensive player will roll the ball up the floor to prevent the clock from starting. Occasionally the defensive player will gamble and go for the steal, but typically the defender will drop back until the ball is picked up.

Smart does the former in this clip, hence both his hustle and grit were on full display.

Team Guy

Smart is the type of player if he is on your team you love him, if not it’s likely you’re not too fond of him. See, for example, Draymond Green, Joe Ingles, and Joel Embiid.

Smart and Westbrook have had their feuds over the years, the first coming inside the Peake in Smart’s rookie year. In the fourth Quarter at the 5:36 mark OKC led by 14-points, moments later Jonas Jerebko got fouled. While Jerebko was shooting his foul shots Smart and Westbrook’s feud intensified, then it was on.

Smart and Westbrook exchanged threes and trash talk before Oklahoma City ultimately won the game 118-122. The moral of the story is Smart can get under an opposing player’s skin, while also providing a spark rallying his own team.

Weaknesses: Injury Prone

Smart is not the most durable player around having missed 67 games in four years. Smart has never played in a full 82 game season, though he did come close playing in 79 games once. Furthermore, Smart has an extensive injury list, considering he has only played four years.

Injury list

  • Sprained Left Ankle  – November 2014
  • Sprained Left  Achilles – December 2014
  • Bruised Left Knee – November 2015
  • Sprained Left Toe – November 2015
  • Sprained Ankle – October 2016
  • Sore Ankle – October 2017
  • Hand Laceration – January 2018
  • Torn Thumb Tendon – March 2018

*Injury list via Fox Sports

A few notes on Smart’s injuries, ordinarily I wouldn’t include a laceration because any player can sustain one at any time. However, Smart’s laceration was self-inflicted, from punching and breaking a picture frame.

Moreover, the majority of Smart’s injuries occurred early in the season and tend to affect his left side. Suggesting Smart may have conditioning problems. It’s a tossup whether to place the onus on the player or the strength and conditioning staff for Smart’s nagging injuries.

Simply Shaqtin’ a Fool

Smart can do some foolish things on the hardwood case and point he won a Shaqtin’ Award this past season. What is a Shaqtin’ award? Former NBA all-star and current Inside the NBA host Shaquille O’Neal presents a weekly segment on the show called Shaqtin’ a Fool. The segment has grown such a following multiple half-hour specials have been produced under the same name.

One of those specials is a semi-annual awards show, Shaq presents mid-season and season-long awards. Smart won the award for worst uncalled travel for the 2017-18 season. The award is more about fun than foolishness and no player is off-limits from Shaq’s shade. Furthermore, its far-fetched Shaqtin’ a fool will affect any players stock during NBA Free Agency.

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