Smart is what happens to kids when they decide to go back and every pundit in the world gets a 2nd full season to over analyze a talent...A weakness becomes the end all be all for someone who's not even old enough to drink a beer.
I especially am entertained by the thought that Smart is a "punk" or "headcase" because he reacted to a guy in the stands that he thought used a racial slur towards him...Not to excuse his actions that night, but that's ONE incident and it somehow stands for what the kid is all about? As if we are all defined by ONE mistake we made at 20. Instead of giving him credit on how he handled the situation immediately following the incident, coming back like a man on a mission and leading Oklahoma St. to the tourney when everyone pretty much considered them dead and buried, people still question his maturity and even name call.
Some also act like Smart's rough shooting is a weakness that is any different than all the other weaknesses that exist within all of these kids in this draft....Let's take a look:
1) Wiggins - Lack of a killer instinct/aggression....
2) Embiid - Health
3) Parker - Defense...defense so bad he was subbed for in the final minutes of a Tourney game!
4) Exum - Lack of competition in Australia & shooting questions
5) Randle - Wingspan
6) Vonleh - Lack of awareness on Defense....Very raw on offense
7) Gordon - FT line & Shooting overall...
I digress...
I've always liked Smart's game...He's a talented kid who, based on his entire history, is a good guy with a level head with great work ethic. He's a leader on the floor who actually cares...He can defend, handle and has more than enough athleticism.
I know he's a couple of inches shorter, but he reminds me of Tyreke Evans...I'd be fine with the Celtics drafting Smart if they fell between 5-8....