Javonte Smart, 6'4 ½, Point Guard, Scotlandville Magnet HS, 1999
Strengths
-Excellent physical profile for a point guard prospect - 6' 4.5 with a 6' 7 wingspan and a strong, proportionate 190-pound frame. Can handle contact around the rim. Good rebounder.
-Not overly explosive but has a strong first step from a standstill
-Has improved his ability to change speeds and directions. Uses hesitation crossovers and in and out crossovers to beat the big defender. Strong hang dribble game. Can play out of ball screens effectively.
-Has the size to see over the top of the defense and facilitate - 6.9 assists and 1.9 turnovers per 40 minutes at FIBA U17 World Championships. Can use either hand to pass. Shows some occasional flair with no look drop off passes.
-Capable, although inconsistent, shooter out to three. Best with his feet set.
-Very good on ball defender thanks to his size, length and quick feet. Playing with good effort on the defensive end of the floor. Does a great job using his body to contain penetration. Should be able to guard smaller two guards as well in time. Good instincts playing the passing lanes.
Weaknesses
-More smooth than explosive. Lacks an extra gear. Needs a ball screen to get by an elite defender. Has to rely on his size and touch around the rim, where he made 6-of-13 shots at the U17s. Average leaper. Can add more crafty ways to finish around the rim. 42.9% from 2-point range at the U17s and 36.1% from 2-point range in 41 games in our database.
-Capable shooter but isn't all that consistent - 5-of-20 from 3-point range at U17s and 46-of-177 (26.0%) according to 41 games in our database. Flat-footed stroke from three. Doesn't get into his shot that quickly. Low release point. Ball comes off the side of his hand at times. Doesn't get that tight of rotation.
-How is he going to score efficiently in the half court? What's his bread and butter? 10.6 points per 40 minutes at the U17s. Doesn't get much separation in shot creation situations. Can add more ways to get to his pull up jumper. Improved handle but is still figuring out how to use it to get to high percentage spots on the floor.
-Doesn't get to the foul line all that often - 2.5 times per 40 minutes at the U17s.
-Can improve as a decision maker. Will settle for deep jumpers early in the clock or telegraph passes on the perimeter. 3.2 turnovers per 40 minutes in 41 games in our database. Feel for the game and basketball IQ are still progressing. Can be indecisive at times.
-Gets a bit loose with the ball. Commits unforced errors. Not the most vocal guard out there.
-Can get lost off the ball on defense
Outlook
Smart struggled to score efficiently at the U17s, posting the second-lowest PER on the team (16.0) while shooting 42.9% from 2-point range and 25.0% from 3-point range. The 17-year-old Baton Rouge native showed that he has room to improve his shooting stroke and shot creation abilities in the half court to make up for his so-so athleticism. Although he wasn't a prolific scorer, Smart still did some really nice things as a playmaker and defender. Albeit not dramatic, he's made strides in his game over the course of the last year and certainly has enough intrigue to continue evaluating thanks to his physical tools and overall versatility.
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