2018 NBA Mock Draft: Time for the Final Four

If you’re noticing a trend in this week’s write-ups focusing on fit and the ability to play within a modern NBA team context, that’s because that is the trend of this week’s write-ups, and Smith is someone for whom those questions are very important.

It’s not that Smith’s style or skill set makes it difficult to imagine him succeeding at the NBA level — very much the opposite, in fact. He is extremely versatile, able to play three positions and impact the game on both ends. Smith is a smart passer, an athletic finisher and incredible defending smaller players. Most teams would gladly take a chance on him if he were in the G-League looking for a 10-day contract. However, the reason he still sits at No. 22 here is because of the questions about what exactly his role would be going forward.

I’ve heard throughout the college basketball season that Smith is the type of player who “has a place on any team,” or is the perfect glue guy. Those are often more important players than we can see statistically or understand simply watching the game, and guys like James Johnson and Marcus Smart stand out as quietly important pieces of the Eastern Conference’s top two seeds.

Yet the ability to make an impact, earn consistent minutes and fit into the hierarchy of a team is often difficult for players like this. Looking specifically at Johnson and Smart, the former took until his late 20s to find a niche with the Raptors and Heat, while the Celtics recently refused to sign Smart to an extension heading into his fourth season. Without a consistent jump shot or elite passing ability, finding an offensive role is tough. Smith was used like a power forward this year despite standing 6-5, and it will be a massive adjustment to play the 4 in the NBA.

Atlanta feels like a destination that could help him progress.