Re-drafting the 2014 NBA Draft: Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic
player. 38. . PG. Orlando Magic. Marcus Smart. 4
Re-drafting the 2014 NBA Draft — 4. Marcus Smart
The newly minted DPOY has been one of the most consistent performers from the 2014 draft. Marcus Smart has been the centerpiece of trade rumors on more than one occasion, but the Celtics always decided to hang tight. They were rewarded with a Finals run in 2022. Smart made the star leap last season, assuming full-time point guard duties and anchoring the best defense in recent NBA history.
Even before his recent leap, however, Smart was an all-world defender who brought invaluable bravado to the court. He has more than enough self-confidence, and while that sometimes leads him to forcing bad shots, it’s an overwhelmingly positive attribute. He takes the tough defensive assignments personally, he doesn’t shy away from the spotlight late in games, and he’s more dynamic offensively than his detractors give him credit for.
Smart has long possessed a winning personality, and the on-court results have always followed suit. Even if it’s sheer force of will, Smart is going to find a way to win basketball games. He can be an agent of chaos sometimes — for better, or for worse — but you can expect him to show up and give 110 percent every night.