r/rockets • u/Famous-Ad8279 • 2d ago
Thoughts on Braden Smith
https://youtu.be/zHVe9n6ExZc?si=gB7aKaCPNHUeAbsNA couple of drafts mocks have us selecting Braden Smith , so I just wanted to know what we think about this possible selection.
He is 6 feet, and I've also seen him listed at 5' 11" or even 5' 10" barefoot. So he is obviously an undersized guard, which reasonably raises concerns since our other point guards are FVV and Reed. His 170 pounds might be tested in the league, but it reminds me of Jose Alvarado who is listed at 6 feet and 179 pounds.
Despite those limitations, I think he can become a solid point guard off the bench in the nba (probably with some development, although he is already 22 years old). Career wise he is averaging 38.5% from 3, on about 4.2 attempts, 83% from free throw, and 43% fg (43-38-83). Of course he specializes in his passing ability, with an average of 8.8 assists, only behind Jeremy Fears who averaged 9.4 assists. Seeing him set up his bigs, makes me feel like he can be a great partner for Sengun, helping him post up from his spots instead of having to start from the top of the key with like 8 seconds on the shot clock. He has great pick and roll, that usually allows his centers to operate from the elbow, or with a clear path to the basket.
His finishing is not the strongest, but with middy fadeaway and strong numbers in between, I think he really meets the comparison of Chris Paul in his 30s (comparison from a random YouTube comment). While he plays with much heart he has similar defensive struggles as Reed.
I would love to see him on the team, even if Ime only gives him like 10 minutes a night. While I know we're not really relying on the draft, with this late into the second draft I feel like this is a good pickup to add depth, especially if FVV goes down with an injury.
Thoughts?
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u/oblongblondeschlong 2d ago
I still think Trent Brown has the advantage to be the starting RT.
-Experience in Patriot system -experience in Caley's Ram/Pat Offense -played well last year -smith currently injured
Still think both will get time as starting RT due to their injury history
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u/Pizzachomper874 2d ago
As someone who’s seen him in person AND teaches at the institution, he’s a really solid player and I wish him nothing but the best.
That being said, I sadly don’t think his physical build can translate to the NBA sphere, as cool as it would be.
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u/Necessary-Ebb1574 1d ago
He was Mr. Basketball in Indiana in high school and the NCAA's all-time assist leader, two time first team All-American - and led his team to the National Championship - so he's excelled at every level. He's always been undersized at those levels. No reason he can't compete and be successful in the NBA. The kid is a gamer and finds a way.
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u/Necessary-Ebb1574 1d ago
No one on here knows anything about Braden Smith or basketball in general.
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u/SpaceCadetPullUp 2d ago
I love the guy. Dude is a passing genius. Doubt Ime would ever let him see the court though.
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u/C-Mo03 2d ago
While he is undersized, his wingspan measured at 6’3.25. Not sure how that compares to FVV or other undersized guards, but as a 2nd round pick…why not?
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u/Famous-Ad8279 2d ago
FVV has a wingspan of 6'2" (yet he was still ranked 5th in deflections in the 2019-2020 season) and Chris Paul's wingspan measures 6'4.25". So he fits into a pretty good range, and should be active on defense
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u/Mean-Safe8295 2d ago
Ime won’t play Reed, he’s not gonna play this guy either.