Al Horford on his most impressive teammate:
"There's been a few guys but I would definitely say Marcus Smart. He's a guy that really, really knows how to play... He is the ultimate competitor... he really gets after it. I was just impressed on his basketball IQ. I knew he was a smart player, I knew he was good, but he sees things way before a lot of people see them, he anticipates plays on the offensive and defensive end. For being such a young player, he is a very, very smart player."
https://twitter.com/ESPNForsberg/status/789557253305147393
This is the major misconception with Smart, too. Many look at his questionable shot selection at times and say that he doesn't have a high BBIQ. But if you watch him play, it's clear his BBIQ is exceptionally high, especially on the defensive end. I'd argue that his elite defensive prowess is due primarily to his elite defensive BBIQ.
Yeah I agree. I think his shot selection is due mostly to confidence in himself and desire to win a game. And I think he probably buys into "threes over twos" pretty hard as well. You see with his offensive rebounding and clutch plays I think this is a guy that can really read the floor.
I've already said it, but yeah on defense I think we are talking maybe the best perimeter defender in the league, right up there with Leonard for me. The way he strips players and when he chooses to jump passing lanes is a guy who knows basketball, not a gambler. Then he can go match up against a Millsap and know where to bother a guy like that with a size advantage. And he has size and strength to guard more positions than Bradley can. He is very special on defense.
I think the game is slowing down for him and his offensive IQ is showing in the preseason. His passing and floor vision was very good and he was looking hugely improved running pick and roll. As I said, I'm excited for the season to start (and his ankle to heal) because I think people will see when he is on the floor this isn't a Tony Allen type player.
I really think he will be a star. Yeah he is not the most athletic player, but his defense is unreal, his offense will come along, and he has the mental ability and intangibles that really make star players in this league.
I know we are off topic here on Smart but just wanted to share and argue my points there because I feel strongly on them.