ParniValjak
All-Star
I agree with all of that. One of the main reasons why I like Fox is his constant at it attitude and leadership. It is something that I think this team needs. It lacks a leader out there and I can see Fox becoming that leader on the court. His approach to basketball is infectious and it will bring the best out of his team mates.I agree, his upside should not be ignored. But the fact that he didn't give effort at times shouldn't be ignored either. The 5th pick is extremely important for the Kings, and they can't afford to make a mistake. If they bring Smith in for a workout and a interview, and then draft him, I'll trust their judgement. Because I'm sure they'll bring up his lack of effort at times.
I want a player that will bust his butt 100% of the time he's on the floor. That's one of the things that's attractive about Fox. His motor is always going full bore. That's what we'll need from Smith if we draft him. And he's certainly capable of that.
Smith's lack of effort at times is concerning but at 5 I think you need to go for the home run and not the safe pick. This team needs a franchise player and Smith has that potential. Are there red flags? Yes there are but then again, this red flags are not much different than Skal's 12 months ago. Now Skal did slide a long way but if draft were to be re-done now, he would be amongst the first bunch of players picked.
I really hope we draft Fox. He is my #1 choice. Anyone after him for me is a distant 2nd and from that bunch I am taking a gamble on someone who has the highest upside of all the other kids. To me that is Smith.