Getting to know Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith

Today I’m going to be taking a look at Nolan Smith

Physicals

Height: 6’ 3.5” (6’ 5.5” wingspan)

Weight: 188 lbs

Birthday: 7-25-1988 (22 year old; Senior from Duke)

*Point Guard

*Top 6 point guard, top 25 overall

I was not going to originally do a breakdown on Nolan Smith, but if the Jazz don’t take a point guard with the #3, then there is a good chance they get one with the #12, and Smith will be one of the best point guards left by then (along with The Jimmer and Jackson).

Smith is an interesting player. He may not be the most exciting player for your team, but he may very well be one of the most important players on it. When it comes to strengths for Smith, nothing in his “actual game” sticks out (to me at least). He does everything well. He can score around the basket (seems to have a nice touch), by shooting (create own shot, also can spot up). He can run an offense (has good basketball IQ), lead a team, or be a role player. His length and effort will give him a chance to be a good perimeter defender at the NBA level. His best quality (or skill) in my opinion is the leadership/attitude that he possesses. He is a team player that does what it takes to win. Like when he led Duke after Irving got injured.

Smith may be able to score around the rim, but he doesn’t necessarily attack it (explosiveness) as you may want your point guard to do. This isn’t a huge weakness that will kill his stock, in a matter of fact; he isn’t that bad of an athlete. It just comes down to the fact that the NBA point guard is evolving and changing into a different type of player. Other than that, he other weakness, is ironically his strength. He is good at most things, but not great at most things (asides his leadership/attitude).

Best case scenario for Smith, is a player with a Derek Fisher type role, but with more skills. I think Smith could be a fairly important piece to many teams, however I think he would be best on a team with multiple players that are much better than him (Celtics, Lakers, Heat seem to be good fits). As for the Jazz drafting him, I don’t know. He is definitely a stretch at the #12, but Corbin did say he really values players with leadership, experience, and that are NBA ready.