#4 – Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith is the Alicia Keys song of this draft, and the current selection is Fallin’. Many other draft prognosticators seem to agree with me, as he keeps slipping down many boards. For this fourth slot, one day, I’m thinking Reggie Jackson; the next: Malcolm Delaney, Preston Knowles, Isaiah Thomas, Brandon Knight…and so on.
Then it comes back to - perhaps I’m seeing Nolan through Rose-colored glasses. Well if I were, would I have chosen a Duke PG as my second…but wait shouldn’t Kyrie Irving be first? You see what I mean? When Duke PGs come to mind, I think of Bobby Hurley and Jay Williams, the ones who, if it were not for career-ending injuries, could have amended any apprehensions people have with Duke PGs and players, in general.
If I were looking for a safe pick, I would not be on that Nolan Smith flow ‘cause I know he’s only a consistent three-pointer away from being certified. Keep in mind that his ability to play both Guard positions kept Duke on top throughout the season, even after Kyrie went down with injury.
Still not convinced? Ponder the stats below and press play!
PG
|
Nolan Smith
| ||||
Rank
|
50.92
|
25.00
|
85.00
|
29.00
| |
Out of 138 players:
· Nolan will be a mid to late first rounder, gone by the 25th pick.
· Many view him as more of an undersized Shooting Guard.
· His defense is what pushed him downward. His handle is what kept him afloat.
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