Available Wizards veteran is not the solution for Kings' point guard problem

Sacramento Kings fans are in a wait-and-see mode as they are expecting their team to find a new point guard in the weeks ahead. A few names, including one very dangerous one, have already floated around. As luck would have it, it seems like this summer might be filled with several NBA point guards looking for a new home.

The Washington Wizards are currently attempting to find a trade partner for veteran guard Marcus Smart. To some Kings fans, he might seem like the perfect fit because he has a proven track record, postseason experience, and isn't afraid of a fight. But in reality, he would ultimately hurt the team more than help it.

Marcus Smart would subtract—not add—to the Kings

Bovada released a list of the odds-on favorites for Smart's new NBA home, and the Kings are right at the top. However, there could be competition for him, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat close behind.

Why are the Kings frontrunners to land Smart? In many ways, it's because he can provide what they need: experience and skill.

Smart got his start with the Boston Celtics and was one of the most aggressive players in the league. In fact, he's one of the few guards to win Defensive Player of the Year, a clear sign of just how tough he is. Kings fans are tantalized by the idea of someone who has a lot of fire in his belly. They have been calling on the front office to sign more fighters, and Smart could be one.

He has been around for a while, including in multiple postseason runs. That too is attractive to the Kings. Why wouldn't they want someone who has pushed deep into the playoffs with one of the most successful teams in the league?

Sadly, injuries are catching up with Smart, and he hasn't been performing like he used to. For example, during his brief time with the Wizards, he has produced just 9.3 points and 2.5 assists per game, a far cry from his 14.5 points and 4.3 assists during his final campaign with the Celtics.

And while he would help the team with the defense, he would take away from their offense. That's because acquiring Smart would likely require the Kings to part ways with DeMar DeRozan's contract. And while DeRozan has his own problems, replacing him with Smart would eat into the team's offensive output. Better defense is good, but Smart would create problems the Kings want to avoid.

So, if the Kings did get Smart, they would also have to hunt for a proven scorer to help with DeRozan's absence. In many ways, it would just create more issues for the team. But the fact that he would be less expensive than someone like Trae Young or Darius Garland might catch the attention of Sacramento's front office.

Even though it's their own fault, the Kings need more point guard support. Smart might seem like a good choice because of what he's done during his NBA career and the way he plays defense. But he would probably just create more headaches, and Sacramento has enough of those right now.