Tracy Smith: Sleeper?
2011-06-16
[There] is something about Smith that is beginning to intrigue scouts. Something he is showing on the pre-draft workout circuit that is starting to make teams take him seriously.
It’s more than just a batch of skills that has Smith drawing comparisons to Samardo Samuels — another Cavs big man who showed flashes during his rookie year, despite not being drafted. Most NBA types also seem to admire Smith’s work ethic, determination and always-underrated desire to prove everyone wrong.
Here’s where I cease to be useful. All I know is that Samardo Samuels comparisons aren’t necessarily positive. Kevin or Mo, do we know anything about this guy?
Live in Raleigh and went to a lot of NC State games the past few years. Smith has injury issues but brought tons of energy to the team when he played. The Pack looked a whole lot better when he was around. That said, I picture contributing more off the bench on a contending team, i.e. the 8th or 9th guy in rotation for a team like San Antonio, Dallas, Boston.
@Kevin
jeez that just sounds awful.
Tracy Smith would be no more then a servicable bench player to spell starters no more no less, during draft time there are awlays these so called diamonds in the rough players who seemingly slip through the cracks, well guess what they slipped through for a good reason!!!!
I have nothing against Samardo Samuels. Last year was bad in general. Everyone starts with a clean slate next year.
As far as the comparison of Tracy Smith to Samardo Samuels, it is kind of flawed in that Smith is one year older than Samuels. Samuels was better in his sophomore year than Smith was in either his junior or senior year.
Kevin, I’m sure that the lines between mediocre/average/good get blurry when your team is on a 26 losing streak, but to make it sound as if Samardo doesn’t have potential is wrong.
Couple of games he did some really good things around the basket. Taking into consideration that he is an undrafted rookie, one must appreciate those things. I clearly remember him attacking the basket against Tim Duncan and having a really good game against him. I think he can grow into a Glenn Davis type of player.
I know that watching a team go through a 26 game losing streak can make people appreciate players like Samardo Samuels more than they should.
Tracy Smith isn’t on most people’s radar. Draftexpress and ESPN don’t have him rated in their top 100. I took a quick look at him. He’s a 6’8″ PF who didn’t rebound particularly well or block shots in college. He had injury and conditioning issues this year, but as per the link he’s lost 20+ lbs this summer. He doesn’t have shooting range beyond 10 ft. He’s 23 years old.