In the last four games, Suns interior Smith has averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game. Seeing Smith perform so well, did the Suns management feel embarrassed? Two months ago they didn't execute Smith's team option. To put it bluntly, the Suns at the time may not have put Smith in the framework of the team's future. They don't even want to train Smith anymore. Smith's first year of career stats and performances are indeed terrible, but he is a lotto show after all, and was selected by the Suns with the tenth pick in the first round of 2020. In any case, his talent is still there.
No, in the last 4 games, the team's internal line shortage, Smith stood up to play a stable data and efficiency, which was eye-catching. Will the Suns regret it? Today, the Suns easily beat the Hornets, Smith played less than 24 minutes to get 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks of super efficient stats, and also showed his terrifying physical fitness in the game.
Smith is a very ideal small ball inside line, 2 meters 08 weight 97 kg, can play the 4th position can also play the 5th position. The fast movement speed can assist the defense and change the defense, and also has a certain projection ability. However, the Sun did not seem to put Smith in its own cultivation framework. Last season, as a rookie, Smith averaged less than double-digit playing time per game. He averaged just 2 points in 27 games, and although Smith has been able to deliver a double-double in the last four games, he has only played 13 minutes of the season. If a young player does not have playing time and no chance to perform, how can we talk about improving the stats and personal performance?
It is understandable that the Suns do not give Smith a chance, the Suns are not short of people on the inside at this stage, and Ayton is the core of the team. McGee is also an experienced veteran who has won championships. Smith could theoretically play the 4th position, but the Suns valued the projection of the 4th position. Smith's projection is still a little worse, so his position is somewhat awkward: high is not low.
Recently, as Ayton entered the Health and Safety Agreement, Smith was given the opportunity to show himself. The Suns are a strong team, but the Suns' rookie development process is not smooth. In the last decade, the Suns have probably cultivated the most successful rookies just Booker and Ayton. The Suns have wasted a lot of high-pick rookies, former No. 4 show Jackson, No. 5 show Lane, No. 4 show Bender, these high pick rookies have not played their due performance in the Suns. Smith, a top 10 pick rookie, didn't play as well as he should at the Suns. Maybe it's not his fault, it has something to do with the team environment.
In the end Smith was still very young. From these 4 games, the players can see his excellent physical fitness and excellent ability to change defenses. He is in line with the trend of the times, even if he does not stay with the Suns in the future, go to another team to polish his skills and strengthen his body, his career prospects are still very bright. These 4 games can add a huge amount of confidence to Smith. As for the Suns, will they miss out on a good young player? The Suns also need to reflect on the patience of cultivating rookies, and there is nothing wrong with giving them more opportunities. Readers, how do you rate Smith's performance in recent times? Feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below the article.