June 17, 2014

Smith's original name was Lenzelle Buckeyes, so he chose the right (indeed, only) team to play for.

Smith is a streak shooter, capable of hot streaks but ultimately not as good of one as he would like to be. He is instead a better defender then perhaps he is known to be. Ths tenacity, plus his willingness to rebound, is the bulk of his game. But the hallmark of his game might be his inconsistency.

A lefty, Smith's inconsistency in his results should not be confused with an inconsistency in his effort. He boards and defends, plays intensely and with toughness, and is not afraid. Yet in being limited in his ability to create shots, Smith was often ineffective with the large offensive responsibility passed to him by his team's wider scoring struggles. Smith is a decent shot maker, not a decent shot creator; short of using a little up-fake to open up a drive, he does not create off the dribble, having little in the way of ball handling ability and not showing much movement off the ball. When presented with an open lane or an open jumpshot, he will take on either (and sometimes also without the luxury of being open) but results are mixed, because the shot making talent is limited. Smith will hit some jump shots and take on any challenge, but sometimes, he shouldn't.

Instead, his tenacity is what makes him. A good athlete and keen defender, Smith applies plenty of pressure and reads opponents well, and again takes on any challenge. Here, is more likely to succeed. Quick and feisty, Smith works to keep up with those both bigger and quicker than he, and attacks the defensive glass as well.

Lacking in a proven jump shot and with only average size and length, Smith's NBA prospects are slim. He is a reliable, high IQ, high energy role player who can help any team, but without the jump shot taking a couple of steps forward, he is destined instead for Europe or the D-League. Or both.

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