2014 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Russ 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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2014 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Russ Smith


Position: Point Guard

Size: 6-0, 165

School: Louisville, Senior


Strengths:
  • Scoring ability
  • Outside shooting
  • Step back/pull-up jumper
  • Speed in the open floor
  • Fearless attacking the tin
  • Athleticism
  • Does an amazing job finding driving lanes
  • Creative scorer at the rim
  • Quick handles
  • Has become a better distributor during his senior year
  • Pesky on-the-ball defender




  • Weaknesses:
  • Too often plays out of control
  • Shot selection
  • Decision-making
  • Streaky outside shooter
  • A shooting guard trapped in a point guard’s body
  • Will be a defensive liability if he plays the two


  • Summary: Part of what makes Smith such a threat on the floor is his aggressiveness on both ends. However, that also tends to be his downfall as his decision-making and shot selection are very questionable at times since he tries to force too much. Although Smith is a 6-foot-1 combo guard, he still possesses a ton of talent and figures to be a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

    Player Comparison: Patrick Beverly.

    Beverly is a 6-foot-1 shooting guard who has struggled in trying to transition to play the point, which is why he spent the beginning of his pro career in Europe before playing with the Rockets last year. Smith faces a similar challenge. Both guys are athletic, aggressive defenders who are at their best off the bounce, and think they are better outside shooters than they actually are.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2014 NBA Mock Draft


    2015 NBA Mock Draft


    2014 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2014 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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