CBB to NBA Player Comparisons: Russ Smith

There are a couple pro players who remind me of Russ Smith, including Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings.  However, the comparison that I think is most accurate is Nuggets guard Nate Robinson. Both Smith and Robinson are very small, at 6'0'' and 5'9'' respectively, but make up for it with their incredible acceleration, quickness, and jumping ability.  Also, they have a unique talent in creating shots for themselves (and knocking these shots down) as well as making creative plays around rim amongst players that often have a full foot on them.  Additionally, despite their poor size, Smith and Robinson both manage to chip in on the boards, and they are also fairly good passers and dribblers at the point guard position.  Perhaps what is most similar between these two players is their knack for converting in clutch situations and their undeniable swagger.  People will say that because of his short frame, Russ Smith does not have a whole lot of potential as a NBA player, but players of this mold have actually been fairly successful in the NBA, with the pinnacle of short-player success in the NBA having been reached by Allen Iverson in the early 2000's.  It will certainly enthuse Russ Smith that scouts have recently been pointing out this interesting similarity that Smith shares with Iverson, but I'm going to stick with the Nate Robinson comparison until I see a little bit more.

Worst Tattoos in the NBA, Past and Present: #18

20.  Stephon Marbury

19.  Matt Barnes

18.  Allen Iverson:

Allen Iverson was a great NBA player, averaging over 26 points per game over his entire career. That is pretty amazing, but Iverson's greatness on the court came with a huge ego off the court. His tattoos exemplify his personality amazingly, for example the one on his back that says "FAME" with subtext of "F@#!? All My Enemies." The thing is, he was probably completely serious when he decided to get that one. Another prime example of Iverson's egotism is the blatant "MONEY BAGZ" on the back of his left hand. He wants people to see it. He loves the attention. Just look at his face, which is the same in every picture. Allen Iverson has tried to build his reputation as a tough guy, but it is, frankly, hard to take the guy seriously because his tattoos are a joke (just look at the other pictures!).

Allen Iverson Looking Real Cool

Iverson Deep in Though - About Bagz of Money

Allen Iverson's Clever Acronym

Iverson Trying to Copy the Face of the Skull on His Arm