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NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 30 prospects in 2021

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Jared Butler
Jared Butler (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2021 NBA Draft: 19. Jared Butler compares to Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart was hyped up as an All-Star caliber player coming out of Oklahoma State in 2014. But with years upon years of evidence on tape and it’s clear to see that Smart simply isn’t a franchise altering point guard.

Still, while he isn’t capable of bringing a team to the promised land, he has the ability to be a valuable contributor. Jared Butler out of Bayler is in that same mold. Butler won’t wow scouts with athleticism but he’ll dive for loose balls, play tough defense and be a leader in the locker room.

Smart has been in the NBA for a number of years now, but his efficiency continues to underwhelm. Butler appears to be a much more polished offensive force. Although he took six 3-pointers a night this past season, he connected on 41.6%.

Regardless of his size, standing at just 6’3, Butler will make an NBA roster and crack a rotation due to all of his intangibles. There’s a reason why Boston Celtic fans and teammates of Smart consider him the heart and soul of the team. If given enough time, Butler can be molded into a similar player.