Just spent the last two days, along with Uncia03, watching prerecorded games of Smith, Fox, and what film I could find of Ntilikina. I have come to the conclusion that I want no part of Smith. Bad body language at times. Disinterest on the defensive side of the ball far too often to suit me. He becomes a spectator on offense too often when the ball isn't in his hands. In short, I think he lacks self motivation. Not denying his skill set, just his consistent desire. I have no use for players that you have to light a fire under.
With that said, I'm down to either Fox or Ntilikina, and if I actually have that choice, I would take Ntilikina. If you go back and read my draft posts over the years, I think you'll find I seldom support drafting a European player, or a player that's a non USA player. Mostly because I can't see them play enough to make a proper judgement. I'm making an exception with Ntilikina. He's athletic, very skilled, has terrific size for a PG, and his skillset seems to be a perfect fit for the team.
I also watched a lot of film on Markkanen, and while I think he may eventually develop into a decent to solid player, I don't think he fits what the Kings are looking for, and I think he has a lot of development in front of him. I'm not sure he could guard anyone in the NBA right now. His court awareness and reaction time seem a step and half slow in college. He''s capable of grabbing rebounds that bounce his way, but seldom rebounds out of his area. I do think he's being used differently than I would use him, which is away from the basket more, instead of setting up in the post. He seldom puts the ball on the floor, and gets in trouble when he does. Not a particularly good passer either. I've scratched him off my list.
We also spent a lot of time watching games of Tatum and Isaac. I like both players, but if I'm projecting long term, I think I have to go with Isaac. While Isaac doesn't get nearly as many touches as Tatum, and as a result, doesn't put up as many shots, his outside shot seems effortless and he shoots a better percentage than Tatum. Despite his slight build, he's a better rebounder in traffic than Tatum, and if you watch Isaac play enough, you'll find he's very good at putting the ball on the floor. His end to end speed is average for a big, but his lateral quickness is very very good. Obviously, he retained many of the skills he had when he was a PG, before he suddenly grew 6 inches. He needs to get stronger, but I really, really like this kid. I'll be OK with Tatum, but I want Isaac.