2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Nolan Smith



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Nolan Smith


Position: Guard

Size: 6-2, 185

School: Duke, Senior


Strengths:
  • Mid-range game
  • Three-point shooter
  • Catch and shoot ability
  • Pull-up jumper
  • Coming off screens with or without the ball
  • Squaring up his body before shooting
  • Takes what is given to him; doesn’t force the issue
  • Ability to get into the lane
  • Works hard on defensive end
  • Experience
  • Winner



    Weaknesses:
  • Not a true point guard but lacks the ideal size to be a NBA two
  • Creating for his teammates
  • Lacks ideal NBA athleticism for a guard
  • Finishing at the rim

    Summary: Nolan Smith has been one of the best players in college basketball the past two seasons but it is still uncertain how his game will translate to the next level. He did a solid job of playing the point this past season in place of the injured Kyrie Irving, but is he a one or two at the next level? Regardless, his experience, leadership and background of being a winner should get him late first-round looks as he could become a valuable rotation player.

    Player Comparison: Jarrett Jack. Jack has been unable to lock down his true position at the next level, running the point at times but also playing some two guard. Smith is the that same category. He will probably have to learn to run the point at the next level but his ability to hit outside jump shots should find him a spot on someone’s roster just like Jack.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2011 NBA Mock Draft


    2012 NBA Mock Draft


    2011 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2011 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




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