Marcus Smart controls the ball in a match between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in February.
(Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
Redick knows personally what Marcus Smart can deliver. The coach recalled the front front that he received with the kind authorization of the former defensive player of the year of the NBA.
“Tenacity,” said Redick about what Smart will bring to the team. “I already told him this: we need his voice in the context of communication. His competitive spirit. “
The Lakers ranked 17th in a defensive note last season, abandoning 113.8 points per 100 possessions. The 31 -year -old smart, who signed with the Lakers after the Washington Wizards bought his contract, still notes in the 80th centile of each defensive metric, said Redick.
The defensive improvement of Donbasket in Eurobasket has drawn raves from Redick, but the stars guard will remain far from a defensive anchor. With Reaves and James, who will be 41 years old in December, and Ayton, the defensive prowess of Smart and the three -point career shooting of 32.4% could be vital to consolidate the potential departure formation.
Redick appointed his departure training before the training camp last season, but, in a growth stage for the second year head coach, refused to disclose his plans this year. He learned what often happens to the best -put plans.
Last year, James de James, Reaves, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura and Angelo Russell started only seven games together.
