Marcus Smart is a polarizing player

[timpiker]

This thread might as well be called "The Celtics wear green uniforms" or "Tommy Heinsohn has a Celtic bias."

I get why Smart is so polarizing but he's my favorite player in the NBA. There's no way to quantify the effect of him playing his guts out every night on the rest of his team. He's pure inspiration for all the right things: tough nosed defense, unselfish passing, hustle.

My fav too

[Rosco917]

There's an intangible that Smart possesses that is in dire need in the NBA.

Marcus Smart plays hard every single play and in every game. Marcus Smart is a warrior.

Nope, he's not a perfect player, and at times he is exasperating, but like Scal says, if we were choosing up sides for a pickup game he would pick Smart first so he wouldn't have to play against him.

We should all have fingers crossed that we're able to sign him for a reasonable contract.

[mctyson]

There is nothing polarizing about him.  He plays so hard, and cares so much about winning, that all NBA fans should unanimously want him on their squad.

[dreamgreen]

You Smart lovers are going to be disappointed when he's not on the team next year or with any luck after the trade deadline.

I find it interesting the players that people like on this blog. There are so many people on here that fall in love with guys that block shots, play defense and/or hustle. They can completely over look continual stupid turnovers, bad shot selection, and/or any ability to be productive on the offensive side of the court.

We need 2 way players, thankfully Danny understands this and will make the right move!

[Chef Parish]

...

I don't remember another player like him in a Celts uniform before. 

In fact, I remember feeling similarly about Rajon Rondo, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

I felt like that with Greg Kite in the 1980s. I'm sure I was alone in that feeling.

[Valid]

You Smart lovers are going to be disappointed when he's not on the team next year or with any luck after the trade deadline.

I find it interesting the players that people like on this blog. There are so many people on here that fall in love with guys that block shots, play defense and/or hustle. They can completely over look continual stupid turnovers, bad shot selection, and/or any ability to be productive on the offensive side of the court.

We need 2 way players, thankfully Danny understands this and will make the right move!

So what you're saying is we don't "need" arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA? Gotchya!

And Smart isn't a productive offensive player? Is that why the Celtics are 3.2 points better per 100 possessions offensively when Smart is on the floor?

There are two types of people: people who think Marcus Smart is good (these people understand basketball) and people who think he isn't (these people don't).

[SHAQATTACK]

There is nothing polarizing about him.  He plays so hard, and cares so much about winning, that all NBA fans should unanimously want him on their squad.

THIS ^

I think DA will see it this way too , if the price is not crazy.

[byennie]

You Smart lovers are going to be disappointed when he's not on the team next year or with any luck after the trade deadline.

I find it interesting the players that people like on this blog. There are so many people on here that fall in love with guys that block shots, play defense and/or hustle. They can completely over look continual stupid turnovers, bad shot selection, and/or any ability to be productive on the offensive side of the court.

We need 2 way players, thankfully Danny understands this and will make the right move!

So what you're saying is we don't "need" arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA? Gotchya!

And Smart isn't a productive offensive player? Is that why the Celtics are 3.2 points better per 100 possessions offensively when Smart is on the floor?

There are two types of people: people who think Marcus Smart is good (these people understand basketball) and people who think he isn't (these people don't).

Full of yourself much?

Yes, there are some good arguments in favor of Marcus Smart. No, they aren't conclusive.

You know that he has a negative BPM the last 2 years? That he has less than 10 win shares in 3.5 years? It's not just his shooting numbers that have people divided.

I actually like the guy, but pretending that special basketball knowledge is the only polarizing factor here is a bit much.

Personally, I think he's a unique weapon, and his value is highly dependent on the team and how he can be used. There is no one answer: it depends.

[green_bballers13]

Marcus is polarizing b/c he appears to have limitless defensive abilities and is very limited offensively. Guys like Dwight Howard and Tony Allen are similar in that they present a ton of value on just one side of the ball.

I think many people like defensive basketball b/c its unique, and they have nostalgia of some high school coach telling them that defense wins championships.

Other people like guys like James Harden or Kyrie Irving who may score 40 pts but give up 38 pts. I think it is a preference.