The addition of Dennis Schröder has already made the Warriors’ backcourt a crowded house. With Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II, the roster boasts considerable depth. Isaiah Usher from Last Word on Sports noted, “With the likes of Curry, Schroder, Hield, Podziemski, Moody, and Payton II all hypothetically laying claim to rotation spots, it seems strange to opine that the Warriors should trade for another guard in Marcus Smart.”
However, Smart isn’t just any guard. Usher elaborates, “But Smart isn’t just any other guard. In fact, at this stage of his career—and especially if he finds his way into the Warriors—he’s much more of a 3-and-D wing player.”
Marcus Smart’s Defensive Mastery
Smart, who clinched the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year title, is known for his gritty defensive play that often disrupts opponents’ offensive flows. The Oklahoma State product excels in speeding up opponents, inducing rushed decisions, and mentally outmaneuvering overconfident ball handlers. His defensive prowess could be a significant asset for the Warriors, potentially elevating them to the top of the league defensively.
On the offensive front, though Smart may not be the most lethal scorer, averaging 9.2 points on 36.5% shooting from the field and 32.5% shooting from beyond the arc this season, his ability to contribute cannot be overlooked. “Sure, Marcus Smart is a capable on-ball creator and facilitator—career 4.6 assists per game average—but what really makes Smart an intriguing potential add for the Warriors is his grit, physicality, and defensive tenacity,” Usher adds.
The Cost of Acquiring a Defensive Stalwart
To secure Smart, the Warriors might need to make a significant roster change, potentially parting ways with Andrew Wiggins. Such a move would not only impact team chemistry but also the strategic deployment of players. “For his playoff experience and veteran know-how alone, Smart’s price tag is worth looking into,” Usher remarks, suggesting that the Warriors’ investment in Smart could pay dividends, especially in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
While the prospect of trading for Smart introduces complexities, particularly in managing an already stacked backcourt, the potential defensive upside could be the key to unlocking new levels of success for the Warriors. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Golden State’s management to see if they will pull the trigger on this high-impact defensive upgrade.