Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers 

While everyone else kept hyping up Duke’s injured freshman point guard, Kyrie Irving, their veteran point guard just kept doing what he does best: leading and winning.

Smith clearly doesn’t get near the amount of respect from scouts that he probably deserves, which makes it very interesting that Irving is a near-lock at the top spot in the 2011 NBA Draft, while Smith will seemingly be lucky to crack the first round. We see first round talent here, but we’ll let the scouting report do the talking:

NBA Position: PG

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 189

School: Duke

Stats

Strengths

Terrific leader and floor general. Won’t be a star at the next level, but definitely has the skills, patience, and vision to man the point. Has a reliable outside shot, which he can create himself or hit effectively when spotting up. Really knows how to direct an offense and command his teammates on the floor. An extremely clutch performer, having hit some big-time shots in huge games throughout his career. Plain and simple: a winner. Has a national championship under his belt, and faced tough competition throughout his career at Duke and in the NCAA tourney. Solid handle. Very high basketball IQ. Very good size for the point guard position. Has enough offensive ability and versatility to handle playing the two spot, but is better suited at the point. A solid defender.

Weaknesses

Not an elite athlete. Lacks explosiveness and doesn’t have the size or athleticism to effectively play shooting guard at the next level. May not have the speed or quickness to be a consistent starter at the point, either, although that remains to be determined. Not an overly efficient one-one-one offensive player. Has a pretty solid jumper, but it could get better. Isn’t great at finishing at the rim. While he has a lot of the characteristics of a solid point guard, he still could improve his passing and timing.

Overall, a very solid offensive player that has a balanced game, but is held back due to questions over athleticism and his true position.

NBA Player Comparison: Chris Duhon (Better Scorer)

Draft Projection: In the 20′s