Dennis Johnson, anyone?
Smart seems to play better in big games but DJ was way more clutch than what we have seen from Smart thus far. Still it is early, if Smart can fix his shot then it is possible.
You must never have watched DJ when he was Smart's age. At 23 and 24 Dennis Johnson was more like Michael Jordan than Marcus Smart. DJ only became the grounded tough bulldog of a player that could facilitate an offense and hit big shots after injuries and age got a hold of him.
Nick - you're right, before my time.
My DJ/Smart comparison was basically that they were two players who were instigators/facilitators and lousy shooters. Dennis' BEST year from 3 was .269 by the way.
I know that - at least among Celtics fans - DJ has the reputation of being clutch, but I wasn't particularly thinking of Marcus that way.
Bottom line for me is this, there is no way anyone is going to convince me until I see him play prolonged minutes at AB's spot in the rotation. I mean more than he did coming off the bench and as a starter for a season. It is foolish to pronounce somebody better until they prove it, although it makes for great debate in the summer doldrums of NBA basketball.
Their roles are different. Marcus spotting up, spreading the floor is not a good role for him or the team, just as Bradley was mediocre at running the offense.
I have my doubts that his minutes will increase, or that his role will change very much. Avery, sadly, has departed, but Hayward, Brown, and Tatum will all be getting wing minutes; and even Rozier - who came through in the playoffs when it really counted - will have a case to make for ballhandler minutes.
Smart already was playing starter minutes last season; don't look for an increase.