NBA Draft Rumors: GMs say Marcus Smart might not be able to handle NBA pressure
By Josh Hill
One of the biggest stories over the weekend was Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart shoving a Texas Tech fan after words were exchanged between the two during a game. Smart later apologized but the story has made its way to NBA executive circles who are discussing what the incident means for Smart’s draft stock.
According to executives that Yahoo! Sports reporter Marc J. Spears talked to, the outlook is mixed, with some GMs having a very negative view on the matter that causes them to question if Smart can handle the pressures of the NBA.
"“His stock is going to take a hit,” one NBA general manager told Yahoo Sports. “He has shown in the past few months that he is prone to outbursts. He kicked a chair (against West Virginia). He’s under a lot of pressure. The team is not doing well, struggling."
Another general manager stated that Smart’s stock is going to fall because executives aren’t sure if he can handle the pressure NBA fans will put on him, as he’s demonstrated college pressure is tough to handle.
The fact of the matter is, executives may judge Smart more for his on court ability if he can turn his season around, but if this is still a topic of debate in the summer, Smart may take a plunge in the NBA Draft.