NBA 2014 Draft: Marcus Smart Shove Nets Three Game Suspension! NBA GMs Say Draft Stock Will Take A Hit! Staying In School Was A Bad Decision?

The NBA 2014 Draft will change a lot with March Madness, and even the events leading to it. Marcus Smart getting a three game suspension will definitely pull him down.

The official statement was read by Commissioner Bob Bowlsby of the Big 12 Conference. USA Today provided a copy:

"Mr. Smart's actions were a clear violation of the Big 12 Conference's Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Policy. Such behavior has no place in athletics, and will not be tolerated. I appreciate the efforts of Oklahoma State University athletics director Mike Holder in addressing this matter, and believe this is an appropriate response to an inappropriate action."

Marcus Smart also apologized:  "This is not how I was raised. I let my emotions get the best of me, just can't let that happen again. It's something I have to learn from ... the consequences coming with it, I'm taking full responsibility. No fingers are pointed. This is all upon me. I feel like I let my teammates down. These guys mean a lot to me. Not to be able to be out there with them, it hits me in my heart. I have a lot of people that look up me, a lot of little kids. I truly apologize. This is not me."

The fan was identified as Jeff Orr, and he has also apologized: "I want to make it known that I did not use a racial slur of any kind. Additionally, I would like to offer my apologies to Texas Tech fans that have been embarrassed by the attention this incident has created." Orr also mentioned that he will not attend any more Texas Tech games this season. Thus, he will not be around on Feb. 22 when Texas Tech takes on Oklahoma State again. That is the first game after Smart's suspension.

Compounding Marcus Smart's woes, NBA GMs speculate that Smart's draft stock will definitely take a hit. Quoting an unnamed NBA general manager, Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports writes: "His stock is going to take a hit. He has shown in the past few months that he is prone to outbursts. He kicked a chair (against West Virginia). He's under a lot of pressure. The team is not doing well, struggling. Fans say things in the NBA every day. He has a history of letting people get under his skin. The NBA fans will test him."

Spears also said his diminished game took him out of the top 5: "Smart averaged 17.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists as a freshman, but decided to return for his sophomore season despite being projected as a top overall pick in last year's draft. While participating in USA Basketball's senior team mini-camp last July, Smart told Yahoo Sports that he would enter the 2014 NBA draft. Smart is averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season."

If he joined the 2013 Draft, he would have taken Victor Oladipo's place. He could even contend for the top overall pick. Now, there is almost no chance for him to beat Parker, Wigging, Embiid, Exum and  Randle. In this case, staying in school was not a 'Smart' move.