The Smart Choice as the Face of the Franchise
When the Spurs traded for Marcus Smart last season there was a lot of criticism from around the league for what they were trading away in Kevin Durant. He was in the middle of a record setting pace averaging over 40 points per game while shooting near 50% and single handedly carrying the Spurs into the playoffs. This type of consistent performance from a single player was unheard of in this league, but new GM Billy Smith knew that this type of performance was not sustainable for KD or for the Spurs long-term.
Billy Smith wrote:We knew we had a special player in Kevin, but we knew for the Spurs to win long-term we could not rely on one player to play over 40 minutes a night. In order for this team to win long-term we needed to build a team around multiple players not just one.
With the goal to add depth and assets, GM Billy Smith did the unthinkable in trading Kevin Durant to the Portland Trail Blazers. In return San Antonio received two young players who many saw had the ability to one day become franchise players in Marcus Smart and Stanley Johnson. The franchise was excited to have two lottery picks join San Antonio and help build a new winning culture with their new GM.
Smart who was the former top pick in the draft was tasked to carry Portland as their Point Guard. Though he performed very well averaging 20 points per game and 8 assists per game Smart struggled turning over the ball almost 4 times a game and defending the smaller, quicker point guards due to his slower foot speed and larger body frame. Luckily when Smart came into the Spurs they already had Point Guard Jrue Holiday which allowed Smart to move to the other guard position where the Spurs thought he would grow more.
That first season with the Spurs for Smart did not produce the numbers that front office or Smart thought they would see. Smart saw his shots and his points go down from his time in Portland to just 16 field goal attempts and 19 points per game. This was very alarming to most in the front office but not for GM Billy Smith.
Billy Smith wrote:With the transition to the Shooting Guard position we knew Smart had to adjust to playing without the ball and against bigger players. We had faith in him and did not him to change overnight
In his first playoff appearance of his career, Smart showed a sign of what he could become. Smart was able averaged almost 23 points per game while shooting near 50% against perennial superstar James Harden. Even though the Spurs were swept by Houston, this performance gave the team energy and optimism going into the next season.
During the offseason Smart focused on improving his game and his endurance. He came into training camp looking thinner and improving the majority of his game. Smart was ready to take the lead as Captain and Leader of the newer younger San Antonio Spurs. Through the first 21 games Smart is playing at a career best leading the Spurs into a potential Playoff spot. He is averaging a career best in points per game with 25 while also shooting a best 51% from the field and 85% from the free throw line.
Marcus Smart wrote:This organization has been really good for me. They have given me clear direction on how I can lead the team and allowed me some input on the team’s roster. Over the off-season I spent a lot of time working with a lot veteran and retired players to help learn more on how I can become a better leader on and off the court. I have to really thank guys like Tim Duncan and Sean Elliott on taking me under their wings.
With Smart playing for a new contract, many believe it is not the Benjamins he is truly playing for, but the respect around the league. There is no doubt he will garnish a Max Contract from the Spurs, who hold enough Cap Space to also bring in another Max Contract. Smart now wants to begin to let the league know he is a player who can lead the Spurs as the new face of the franchise.
