FanSided NBA Mock Draft 2014
By David Menze
8. Kings – Marcus Smart (PG), Oklahoma St.
(Picked by Bryan Rose at A Royal Pain)
Feb 8, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) looks to pass the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jamal Williams, Jr. (23) at United Spirit Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a bit of an unknown as to what is going to happen with Isaiah Thomas in potential restricted free agency and if some team is to put forth an offer too rich for the Kings blood, they’d be without a point guard on the roster. Given that, Smart is a bit of an insurance pick but I also believe he’ll be able to give the Kings another solid backcourt option regardless if Thomas is re-signed or leaves in free agency. In essentially a ‘best available’ scenario, Smart was too difficult to pass up given the remaining players on the board don’t exactly fill a need for the Kings. He should also be able to step in and play a bench role immediately and also provides the Kings a trade chip if they’re looking to acquire another veteran to expedite a return to the postseason.