Top 50 NBA Free Agents of 2014

Here are the Top 50 Free Agents of the 2014 NBA Free Agency Period, which will be updated as players sign with their respective teams:

1.  LeBron James (RFA - Early Termination Clause)

Previous Team: Miami Heat

After opting out of his contract with the Heat, James becomes the best player on the market since, well, himself, back in 2010.  He is said to be looking for a max contract which pay him $22.2 million per season.  It is possible LeBron only opted out to have more flexibility, then eventually just return to Miami, but it could also mean that he moves on.  As can be imagined, many teams have displayed interest, including Houston, Phoenix, Cleveland, and of course, Miami.  LeBron's decision is most likely the first domino to fall and then most of the other big-name players will sign new contracts.

Most-Likely Scenario: Miami Heat

2.  Carmelo Anthony (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: New York Knicks

Carmelo opted out of his contract as well, and looks likely to leave the Knicks.  He is the second-best scorer on the market behind James, and is most-likely looking to go to a contending team where he could be the piece that pushes them to championship-status.  The Bulls have been courting him, as well as possibly Houston or Miami, and of course Phil Jackson wants him to return to the Knicks.  Right now, if the Bulls could clear enough cap space to sign Carmelo, they would be the sure-fire favorite to win the Eastern Conference and possibly the NBA Finals.

Most-Likely Scenario: Chicago Bulls

3.  Eric Bledsoe (RFA)

Previous Team: Phoenix Suns

Bledsoe is an incredibly dynamic scorer and could be the centerpiece on the Suns for a very long time, and they will surely do anything they can to retain him.  They have already extended a qualifying offer to the star point guard, so they will be able to match any contract offered by another team.  Bledsoe wants to stay in Phoenix and they want him, so there shouldn't be much of a problem.

Most-Likely Scenario: Phoenix Suns

4.  Dirk Nowitzki

Previous Team: Dallas Mavericks

Dirk has been the face of the Mavericks franchise for such a long time, it is almost impossible to envision him in another uniform.  Mark Cuban wants him back, and he wants to be back, and it seems as if Dirk will return for yet another season as the Mavericks try to add more pieces (they already traded for Tyson Chandler) to contend for a championship.

Most-Likely Scenario: Dallas Mavericks

5.  Chris Bosh (RFA - Early Termination Clause)

Previous Team: Miami Heat

Bosh opted out of his contract, and now appears to be waiting on LeBron to make his decision.  However, no matter what James chooses, it seems that Bosh will return to the Heat.  He is a dynamic big-man who can shoot from the outside and rebound when needed, so Miami will undoubtedly do what they can to keep him.

Most-Likely Scenario: Miami Heat

6.  Greg Monroe (RFA)

Previous Team: Detroit Pistons

Monroe is one of the best offensive power forward/centers in the NBA, and one who could easily average over 20 points and over 10 rebounds per game for the next several years.  As a restricted free agent, the Pistons can match any offer for him, but might consider letting him walk as they already have Josh Smith to play power forward and Andre Drummond to play Center, so they do not particularly need him if the price of his contract is too high.  He will be well sought-after on the market and will probably earn a max-level contract.  The Lakers have been rumored to be interested and they usually get what they want, so that is something to look out for.

Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Lakers

7.  Chandler Parsons (RFA - Team Option)

Previous Team: Houston Rockets

Parsons is one of the best young wing-scorers around, and is all-the-more special because he was a second-round pick.  The Rockets have been rumored to be planning on declining their team option so they can re-sign him to a longer-term deal, but nothing has happened yet.  If they are planning to sign LeBron or Carmelo, then they may have to let Parsons walk.  Parsons will be an attractive piece to sign after LeBron if not by the Rockets, but they have the last say.

Most-Likely Scenario: Houston Rockets

8.  Dwayne Wade (RFA - Early Termination Clause)

Previous Team: Miami Heat

Wade left over $20 million on the table when he decided to become a free agent with the rest of Miami's Big 3, so the most likely reason for that move is that Wade wanted to give Pat Riley the money he needed to bring in some help to the Heat.  He has some knee problems and seems to be showing more and more signs of age, but can still flash his superstar ability at times and will most likely re-sign with the Heat on a team-friendly deal.

Most-Likely Scenario: Miami Heat

9.  Lance Stephenson

Previous Team: Indiana Pacers

Stephenson has had some off-court issues, but there is no denying his talent and scoring ability.  He brings a lot tenacity on the court and would add a lot to a contender.  It seems unlikely that the Pacers will re-sign him, as he will command a lot on the open market.  Stephenson is a potential triple-double every night, and many teams will be taking a look at him.  It is certainly possible he returns to Indiana, but Chicago, as well as Dallas, are intriguing destinations.

Most-Likely Scenario: Dallas Mavericks

10.  Zach Randolph [Opted-In to Player Option, then Re-Signed]

Previous Team: Memphis Grizzlies

After opting in to the final year of his contract where he will make $16.5 million, Z-Bo signed an extension with the Grizzlies that will pay him $10 million in each of the following two seasons.  Randolph is a rebounding machine who can score and is a centerpiece on a Memphis team hoping to rebound in 2014.

New Team: Memphis Grizzlies

11.  Gordon Hayward (RFA)

Previous Team: Utah Jazz

The Jazz would love to resign Hayward, but he might get offered so much money on the open market that they cannot afford to match his contract.  He is a young wing scorer, which is so rare in the NBA, and has enough size that he can rebound and defend above-average small forwards.  The Suns are reportedly very interested, and if they offer a big enough contract, then the Jazz will have a hard time matching it.

Most-Likely Scenario: Phoenix Suns

12.  Kyle Lowry

Previous Team: Toronto Raptors

Lowry has broken out in the last two seasons, and has become one of the league's best point guards.  He can score, pass, and defend, which is everything a point guard should do.  He will likely follow suit with his former teammate Chris Bosh and be the next Raptors star to score a big contract elsewhere, even though they can offer him the most money.  Lowry has been connected to the Heat, but his former team, the Rockets, have a real need at point guard and if they can deal Jeremy Lin (well, even if they can't) they will make a push for Lowry and end up with a very dynamic scoring team that would challenge for the Western Conference title next year.

Most-Likely Scenario: Houston Rockets

13.  Rudy Gay [Opted-In to Player Option]

Previous Team: Sacramento Kings

Gay opted into the final year of his contract next season, and will make $19.3 million.  This was a no-brainer for him, for even if Sacramento isn't Gay's favorite place, there is no where else that he would make that kind of money.  He hasn't played up to his huge contract since he signed it, although he has provided a nice scoring presence for the Kings and his previous teams.  He will hope to play up to his salary this season.

New Team: Sacramento Kings

14.  Luol Deng

Previous Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Deng was traded midway through the year, but not because of his talent, instead as a salary dump.  Deng still can score, shoot from the outside, and defend, which is all any team that signs him will ask of him, and he could really help out a contending team and push them over the edge.  The Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks appear interested, but Atlanta recently made a trade that cleared enough cap space to sign Deng, and seem the more likely destination.  They would have a formidable lineup with Deng in the mix.

Most-Likely Scenario: Atlanta Hawks

15.  Tim Duncan [Opted-In to Player Option]

Previous Team: San Antonio Spurs

There was no where else Duncan would go, it was comeback or retire.  Luckily for the Spurs, Duncan opted back in at a modest $10.3 million salary for next season, and will go for one last Championship run and attempt a repeat with the only team he has ever known.

New Team: San Antonio Spurs

16.  Isaiah Thomas

Previous Team: Sacramento Kings

Thomas is an exciting young player, but for some reason the Kings seem to dangle him in trade offers quite a bit.  He is a guard who can pass but also score, and could be somewhat of a poor-man's Eric Bledsoe this offseason and could have an impact similar to what Bledsoe did to the Suns, although to a lesser degree.  Luckily for the Kings, and quite surprisingly, Thomas isn't garnering that much attention in free-agency, perhaps because of Kyle Lowry's impending decision.  However, if the Kings are smart (and they haven't been too smart lately), they will re-sign their star young point guard.

Most-Likely Scenario: Sacramento Kings

17.  Greivis Vasquez

Previous Team: Toronto Raptors

Vasquez is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and one who makes everyone around him better.  He is one of the most important reasons as to why the Raptors finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference despite not having the most talented roster around.  Any team that needs a point guard would be enamored with Vasquez's playmaking ability, but the Raptors will need him the most if Lowry walks.  He could become a starter next season and help the Raptors continue their run of success.

Most-Likely Scenario: Toronto Raptors

18.  Paul Pierce

Previous Team: Brooklyn Nets

Paul Pierce is old, but he is not done yet.  He still has some scoring ability and would be a quality player off the bench for a contender.  However, the recent Nets coaching fiasco (thanks, Jason Kidd) has left Kevin Garnett's future in question (he may retire) as well as Pierce's.  The latest rumor is that Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers are players for Pierce, and surely he'd love to move back to his hometown and play for the coach he had played for most of his career.

Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Clippers

19.  Marcin Gortat

Previous Team: Washington Wizards

When the Wizards traded for Gortat, many shrugged it off as a minor move that wouldn't really matter in the long run, but alas, Gortat helped an overachieving Wizards team make a serious run in the playoffs, and they will need to keep him around in order to do so again.  Gortat is a rim-protector who can score when needed, and plays a vital role on the Wizards team that they will not let get away.

Most-Likely Scenario: Washington Wizards

20.  Pau Gasol

Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers

It seems all but certain that Gasol's time with the Lakers is up, and many teams seem interested in Gasol's talents.  The Knicks, Thunder, and Bulls have all claimed to be interested, but the most intriguing possibility is in Dallas.  Mark Cuban is known for bold moves, and the Mavericks seem to be going all-in this year after trading for Tyson Chandler.  If they target Lance Stephenson and then Gasol, they could really make a push for the Western Conference title.

Most-Likely Scenario: Dallas Mavericks

21.  Avery Bradley (RFA)

Previous Team: Boston Celtics

The Celtics extended a qualifying offer to Bradley, so they will be able to match any offer any team makes.  The Celtics really like Bradley's defense and so will likely try to retain him unless a ridiculous contract is offered by another team.  However, that doesn't appear likely to happen as Bradley has more value to the Celtics than anyone else, and look for him to remain in Boston next year.

Most-Likely Scenario: Boston Celtics

22.  Ray Allen

Previous Team: Miami Heat

Allen is most likely either going to retire or return to the Heat, where he won his second career championship, but he seems like the type of player with such a competitive drive that he would not be able to hang up the shoes before he really has to.  The Heat most definitely want the all-time greatest three-point shooter back on their team, and Allen probably will return in the end.

Most-Likely Scenario: Miami Heat

23.  Mario Chalmers

Previous Team: Miami Heat

Chalmers had an awful run in the playoffs, the Heat have Norris Cole and drafted Shabazz Napier.  Those factors all point to Chalmers leaving the Heat, especially because their hands are so tied with a limited amount of money to spend.  The Lakers have a need at point guard and would love to get their hands on a guy like Chalmers who knows how to play with superstars but still knock down shots when needed, so look for them to court Chalmers in free agency.


Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Lakers

24.  Jordan Crawford (RFA)

Previous Team: Golden State Warriors

Crawford had an incredible first half of the season for the Celtics before being traded, but his upside is limited unless he plays on a bad team so his suitors will probably be limited as well.  However, a team like the Milwaukee Bucks could use a guy like Crawford who could help out in the interim and perhaps be traded at the deadline for some pieces that could aid in their rebuild.  Other than that, there are not many options for Crawford in free-agency, although the Detroit Pistons could be an option if they are looking for help at shooting guard.

Most-Likely Scenario: Milwaukee Bucks

25.  Kris Humphries

Previous Team: Boston Celtics

Humphries was actually a very productive player for the Celtics last year, but will most likely get a contract worth much less than his previous one on the market this year.  There are not many teams who will be looking at Humphries, but the Knicks are one team who could be interested after trading Tyson Chandler to Dallas.  They could get Humphries on a short-term deal without eating up much cap space and still potentially sign one of the superstars available this year and next.

Most-Likely Scenario: New York Knicks

26.  Evan Turner

Previous Team: Indiana Pacers

There are not many teams who want a ball-hogging player on their team, but there are many teams with a need at Turner's position of shooting guard.  The Charlotte Hornets are one team that could be looking at Turner to complement Kemba Walker, and hope that he can mature enough to either be a good player for their team or become an asset they could trade away eventually.

Most-Likely Scenario: Charlotte Hornets

27.  Vince Carter

Previous Team: Dallas Mavericks

The age-defying Vince Carter should receive quite a bit of attention on the free-agent market this offseason, and one team to watch (along with the Heat, Thunder, Raptors, and Mavericks) is the Portland Trail Blazers as one who might go after him.  They have relatively little cap space but Carter could really add a scoring dynamic off the bench or occasionally in the starting lineup that the Blazers could use to get over the hump and make something happen in the playoffs.

Most-Likely Scenario: Portland Trail Blazers

28.  Spencer Hawes

Previous Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Hawes has always been an underrated player, and will most likely sign for depth-level money this free-agency, and a team who seems to be interested in him is the Clippers, and Hawes is interested in them as well.  He could be a great bench piece behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, which would really help the Clippers' chances in the playoffs as the Spurs showed this year how important depth is in deep playoff runs.

Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Clippers

29.  Rashard Lewis

Previous Team: Miami Heat

At this stage of his career, Lewis will be a veteran shooter at a minimum-level deal who will help team chemistry and likely outplay his salary, and therefore Lewis seems like the perfect fit with almost any team.  He likely only has a few years left, and so will want to spend it on a contending team, and Lewis does have enough left in the tank to contribute to a playoff team as he did with Miami, so he could help keep the Raptors at contender status if he signs with them.

Most-Likely Scenario: Toronto Raptors

30.  Emeka Okafor

Previous Team: Phoenix Suns

The Thunder had some serious problems when Serge Ibaka went down with an injury in the Western Conference Finals, so they will be looking to add depth at the power forward position this free agency.  Okafor is the perfect fit as he will come cheap and will not need to be counted on for heavy minutes, which will allow Oklahoma City to get the most out of this savvy veteran who still brings rebounding and defense to the table.

Most-Likely Scenario: Oklahoma City Thunder

31.  Boris Diaw

Previous Team: San Antonio Spurs
Most-Likely Scenario: San Antonio Spurs

32.  Ed Davis

Previous Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Most-Likely Scenario: Utah Jazz

33.  Glen Davis (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Clippers

34.  Ben Gordon

Previous Team: Charlotte Hornets
Most-Likely Scenario: Indiana Pacers

35.  Jerryd Bayless

Previous Team: Boston Celtics
Most-Likely Scenario: Detroit Pistons

36.  Andrea Bargnani [Declined Early Termination Clause]

Previous Team: New York Knicks
New Team: New York Knicks

37.  Andrei Kirilenko [Opted-In to Player Option]

Previous Team: Brooklyn Nets
New Team: Brooklyn Nets

38.  Patrick Patterson

Previous Team: Toronto Raptors
Most-Likely Scenario: Toronto Raptors

39.  Nick Young (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Lakers

40.  Chris Andersen (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Miami Heat
Most-Likely Scenario: Houston Rockets

41.  Nate Robinson [Opted-In to Player Option]

Previous Team: Denver Nuggets
New Team: Denver Nuggets

42.  Mike Miller

Previous Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Most-Likely Scenario: Memphis Grizzlies

43.  Amar'e Stoudemire [Declined Early Termination Clause]

Previous Team: New York Knicks
Most-Likely Scenario: New York Knicks

44.  D.J. Augustin

Previous Team: Chicago Bulls
Most-Likely Scenario: Chicago Bulls

45.  Kirk Hinrich

Previous Team: Chicago Bulls
Most-Likely Scenario: Charlotte Hornets

46.  Danny Granger (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Clippers

47.  Thabo Sefolosha

Previous Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Most-Likely Scenario: Houston Rockets

48.  Udonis Haslem (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Miami Heat
Most-Likely Scenario: Miami Heat

49.  Channing Frye (RFA - Player Option)

Previous Team: Phoenix Suns
Most-Likely Scenario: Los Angeles Lakers

50.  Jameer Nelson (Bought Out)

Previous Team: Orlando Magic
Most-Likely Scenario: Atlanta Hawks

The Ultimate NBA Finals Preview 2014

2014 NBA Finals: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs

Game 1:  Thursday, June 5th, 9:00 pm, @San Antonio
Game 2:  Sunday, June 8th, 8:00 pm, @San Antonio
Game 3:  Tuesday, June 10th, 9:00 pm, @Miami
Game 4:  Thursday, June 12th, 9:00 pm, @Miami
Game 5 (if necessary):  Sunday, June 15th, 8:00 pm, @San Antonio
Game 6 (if necessary):  Tuesday, June 17th, 9:00 pm, @Miami
Game 7 (if necessary):  Friday, June 20th, 9:00 pm, @San Antonio

How They Got There:

          The Spurs finished the regular season with the #1 seed in the Western Conference and the best record in the NBA at 62-20.  Adding to San Antonio's incredible season is the fact that they have an average age of 28.4 years and were coming off a run to the finals the previous year.  Amazingly, they actually improved upon their 58-24 record from a season ago, a feat which can no doubt be attributed to great coaching, veteran leadership, and a hunger to avenge their loss to the Heat in the finals.  This year, the Spurs had to face a vastly underrated Dallas Mavericks team in the First Round, in a series that ended up going to seven games.  Then, they clashed with the Portland Trail Blazers in the Conference Semifinals, one of the best young teams in the league headlined by Damien Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge.  They took care of business in five games, then met the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a a row.  After winning the first two games, the Spurs struggled to find an answer to the returned Serge Ibaka in the next two.  But, true to form, the Spurs stepped up their game when it mattered most, and won games five and six in order to take the series, including an unbelievable Game 6 in Oklahoma City that was perhaps the Spurs' best performance of the entire season.
          The Heat came in second place in the Eastern Conference, falling just two games behind the Indiana Pacers, with a record of 54-28.  As a team with very few changes from last year's championship-winning team and an average age of 29.4 years (higher than the Spurs!), the Heat played very well in spurts and came on strong towards the second half of the season.  Showing very few signs of a championship hangover, they breezed into the playoffs in what was an incredibly weak Eastern Conference, although having trouble with the Pacers during the regular season.  In the First Round of the playoffs, Miami swept the overachieving Charlotte Bobcats, then didn't need to work much harder at taking down the high-priced Brooklyn Nets in five games in the Conference Semifinals.  The Nets injured stars, in Deron Williams and Brooke Lopez, as well as their aging veterans, in Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, were no match for the ultra-athletic Miami Heat.  Things got interesting, however, in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers, where the Heat were able to avenge their early season losses despite a valiant effort by the Pacers.  Lance Stephenson's antics and Roy Hibbert's disappearance were almost laughable compared to the professional and efficient way the Heat took care of business.

Key Stats:

• San Antonio ranked 3rd in the league in points scored per game (106.6) during the postseason, while Miami ranked 8th (99.1).
• Miami ranked 2nd in the league in points allowed per game (92.1) during the postseason, while San Antonio ranked 8th (101.8).
• The Heat ranked 1st in the league in 3-point percentage (39.5%) during the postseason, while the Spurs ranked 2nd (39.2%).
• Miami had the fewest turnovers allowed per game (10.9) during the postseason, while San Antonio had the 4th-fewest (12.2).
• Miami and San Antonio tied for the 5th-most turnovers forced per game (13.7) during the postseason.
• The Spurs have played 18 playoff games so far, while the Heat have played 15.
• The Spurs are 35-18 all-time against the Heat in the regular season, but the Heat are 4-3 all time against the Spurs in the playoffs (last year's finals was their only postseason meeting).

Key Matchups:

• LeBron James vs. Kawhi Leonard

LeBron has averaged 27.1 points per game these playoffs, 6.8 rebounds per game, 5.0 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game.  It is pretty much impossible to expect anybody to match that.  Leonard's job will be to guard the future hall-of-famer for much of the series, a job which will cause him to focus more on defense than offense.  He has averaged only 13.3 points per game this postseason, but with other more high-profile stars on the team the Spurs have not needed much more from him, since he has made up for it on the glass, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game an, and by averaging 1.72 steals per game.  Look for LeBron to continue to put up huge offensive numbers but be reduced to fewer rebounds, as Leonard will put most of his focus on guarding James.  However, in order to take pressure off the Spurs' stars, Leonard has to be an effective complimentary scorer as he has been so far these playoffs.

• Dwayne Wade vs. Manu Ginobili
  

Wade has been nothing short of resurgent in the last few weeks, showing all his doubters what a different (and dominant) player he is when healthy.  In fact, he may be the player on the Heat most crucial to their title hopes, as he can truly take over the transition game that is so effective when he and LeBron run the floor after the Heat's stingy defense forces a turnover.  He has averaged 18.7 points per game in the playoffs with 4.3 assists, playing like a true offensive force.  Ginobili has been wildly inconsistent this season, but when he gets hot, there is no stopping him.  He has averaged 14.3 points per game with 4.1 assists per game, not to mention his deadly corner three when Tony Parker drives in the lane and kicks it out.  Whoever takes control of this matchup will give his team a major advantage in the series.

• Chris Bosh vs. Tim Duncan

Bosh has been a consistent scorer this postseason, with 15.2 points per game, and a solid rebounder as well, with 5.7 rebounds per game.  He also boasts an incredibly underrated 3-point shot that he shoots at a rate of 41%.  Tim Duncan has been nothing short of a best in the playoffs, not only by averaging 16.5 points per game, but especially by averaging 8.9 rebounds per game.  Look for Duncan to dominate the glass over Bosh, but if Duncan gets too focused on protecting the paint and Bosh sneaks to the corner and hits a couple of threes, then the Spurs will be in trouble.  A lot depends on Bosh's outside shot, but since he has proven it to be effective so far, Duncan will need to follow Bosh all around the court and leave the rim-protecting to Tiago Splitter.  Offensively for Duncan, his arsenal of post moves should be no match more Bosh's defense, as long as the San Antonio big-man isn't too tired from guarding Bosh at the three-point line.

• Danny Green/Marco Belinelli vs. Ray Allen/Rashard Lewis

These two teams are the two best three-point shooting teams in the league, so naturally, whichever team's three-point shooters have a better series will go a long way towards determining the winner.  So far in the playoffs, Green has shot threes at an astounding rate of 48.1%, and Belinelli at 41.4%.  Ray Allen has shot threes these playoffs at a rate of 38.1%, with Lewis shooting at 32.4%.  The numbers seem to suggest that the clear favorites in this matchup are Green and Belinelli of the Spurs, but it will be hard to bet against the all-time best three-point shooter in Ray Allen.  However, when the Spurs get hot from beyond the arc, they are nearly impossible to stop.  Look for San Antonio to win the three-point battle, but in a clutch situation, much like last year, look for Ray Allen to come up big and knock down the shot.

• Tony Parker vs. Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole

The clear edge in this matchup goes to Parker, who has averaged 17.2 points per game these playoffs, as well as 4.9 assists per game.  Chalmers has only averaged 7.1 points per game, while Cole has scored 5.1.  The real key for the Heat's point guards will be to keep Parker away from the basket, because when he drives into the lane he is an incredible finisher as well as very savvy at dishing out the ball to the wing, where his teammates can hit the three.  Parker's goal this series will be to facilitate the Spurs' offense, while still not allowing Chalmers or Cole to hit a big three-pointer to give momentum to the Heat, which they have been known to do.  Look for Tony Parker to dominate this matchup and have a big say in the way this series goes.

Prediction:  Spurs in 7

CBB to NBA Player Comparisons: Marcus Smart

When scouts talk about Marcus Smart, the one thing that they say over and over is that he has got the "x-factor" or the "clutch gene."  The only suitable pro comparison that I see for him is another combo guard who has ice in his veins when the game is on the line - Miami Heat shooting guard Dwayne Wade.  Critics will say that Smart's recent altercation with a fan shows bad character and poor intangibles, but the feeling around college basketball is that Smart is actually a good guy with a team attitude, who is a very smart player and a leader on the court.  Wade, too, is renowned for his unselfishness and leadership ability.  Meanwhile, the similarities in position and play style are also abundant, as both Wade and Smart are combo guards with an explosive ability to get to the rim and make clutch outside shots when the game is on the line.  Additionally, they both have fantastic defensive instincts and are solid passers of the ball on offense.  Perhaps Smart is not quit as talented as Dwayne Wade, but he certainly has the attitude and skills to make a fairly solid impact in the pros.