Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and Cons of potentially trading for Marcus Smart

Pro: Positional Versatility

The New York Knicks drafted point guard Frank Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Thus, one might question whether or not trading for a 23-year-old point guard in Marcus Smart would make sense for the Knicks.

Smart may be listed as a point guard, but at 6’4″ and 220 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan, he’s displayed the ability to consistently play and defend the 2.

Smart averaged 1.0 catch and shoot 3-point field goal made per game on 31.2 percent shooting in 2016-17. That’s far from an efficient shooting mark, but it’s an improvement that displays his willingness to work in an off-ball capacity.

The previous season, Smart averaged 0.7 catch and shoot 3-point field goals made on 22.3 percent shooting—a difference of 8.9 percent.

Alongside Ntilikina, whose primary offensive strength is a combination of his jump shot and passing ability, Smart could provide an ideal balance. Defensively, both players have the size and range to defend multiple positions.

Versatility is the name of the modern game, and Ntilikina and Smart project to fit well alongside one another if they team up in New York.