A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: 3 Reasons to Sign Marcus Smart

By Bobby Cummings

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (left) is guarded by the Celtics Marcus Smart (right) in the first half. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (left) is guarded by the Celtics Marcus Smart (right) in the first half. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

More Than a Two-Guard

Smart could immediately slot in as the Kings’ starting shooting guard, which would solidify Bogdan Bogdanovic as the starting small forward. However, Smart’s best role would be as the Kings’ sixth man, similar to how he was used in Boston. He would be a perfect complement in the backcourt with Buddy Hield. With Smart off the bench, Bogdan can start at his more natural position at shooting guard. At the small-forward spot the Kings could add another piece, or maybe Justin Jackson will make strides this offseason and he can fulfill that role.

Signing Smart would also push Frank Mason III to third-string point guard, where he should be. Mason showed promise in his rookie year, but defensively he would be head-hunted in the playoffs and it would be hard to get him on the floor.

Although Smart is listed as a guard, it is unwise to put him in a box. He is one of the most versatile defenders in the league and his ability to guard positions 1-3, and do it well, will allow Dave Joerger to deploy unique lineups. Having a player capable of guarding the opposing team’s best players is one of the most valuable attributes in the NBA.

The only concern with Smart on the roster is his three-point shooting. According to Basketball Reference, he shot only 30.1% from three-point land last year. Combine his struggles with De’Aaron Fox’s perimeter-shooting woes and spacing could be a problem offensively with both of them on the floor. The best strategy would be to stagger their minutes. There is also hope Fox improves his shooting over the summer, and it is possible Smart improves his shot as well.

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