Fair Marcus Smart discussion

[Rikibellevie]

If we want any chance to put again our season in the right way I guess it will pass by 2 things : Brad make understand Smart that with Fournier, we don't need any more his hero ball (we never need it but it may be the way to tell him) an then put Kemba on the bench to give him the first/second scoring (with almost always one of the Jays and some Fournier) option on the subs. First because I guess Fournier look more as a 3rd option on a team (lowest ego/not all star, better in low usage, better defense, permit to give more the ball to Slart to create and to the Jays) and Kemba could be a perfect 6th men if he accepts (still can torch some second squad with his talent and shot creation, when his defense is a little less liable ag subs). Paying 35M a 6th men seems crazy but whatever at this point Kemba salarie is a crap. What is important it is to make the team work. Time to do it. Especially if we want to resign

If Theis trade for almost nothing was also a way to make understand Brad he has to start Williams and give him big minutes (which was obvious I guess), if Ainge sign Fournier in a long way perspective and Brad don't trust him and he leaves, 2/3 TPE lost; it will show big big mismanagement on our team and doing nothing this summer (Brad or/and Ainge fired) would be a nonsense.

It is time to act ! I still believe in both of them, even if both made discutable choices. And still believe into Smart, hope to see big Smartacus in PO. Hope he finally understand his role in this team.

[ScoobyDoo]

One scenario that could work I. Today’s NBA is Smart at the point. This would require having our third legit piece at the 2 or the four.

For example if Nesmith panned out in a year or two as solid 15-18 a night 2 a lineup of the following could work well:

Time Lord
Tatum
Brown
Nesmith
Smart

You have elite D at the front and back end of your team with TIme Lord and Smart - setting the tone and toughness.

Sandwiched in between you have elite athleticism, speed and scoring.

Smart won’t get abused on D come playoff time like Kemba does.

In the short term I’d certainly run:

Time Lord
Tatum
Brown
Fournier
Smart

If you wanted more overall size:

Time Lord
GWilliams
Tatum
Brown
Smart

I think that unless you’re built like Chris Paul or Kyke Lowry it belies really difficult to hide the smaller point guards in today, particularly in the playoffs.

[coco]

The one thing about Smart.

...in my opinion; the Cs will take the next step, when Smart buys into being the “hustle” guy, and occasionally run the offense in short spurts.  Sadly I think he believes himself to be a two-way player....which he is not.  And it hurts the flow...

[Silas]

Make him play the 6th man role.  And don't play him in the fourth if he is not hitting his shots. 

[Neurotic Guy]

The one thing about Smart.

...in my opinion; the Cs will take the next step, when Smart buys into being the “hustle” guy, and occasionally run the offense in short spurts.  Sadly I think he believes himself to be a two-way player....which he is not.  And it hurts the flow...

He’s the only Celtic who I feel a taste of bittersweet when he hits a 3.  Every long ball he makes, I know more attempts are coming.  His drives on the other hand and shots in the paint I feel differently about.  He makes good things happen at a reasonable rate when finds open lanes.  But I do agree that if his focus were exclusively on D, energy, and getting good looks for others he’d be a bigger help to this team.

[Big333223]

Smart played like Draymond Green tonight. Only took 6 shots(made 3 of them). Had 10 ast, 4reb, 3stl, 1blk, while playing very good D.

The passing was contagious. Had to have been a season high assists for the team and the guys actually looked like they were enjoying playing with each other. If Smart can have a pass first mindset like he did tonight, C’s might be able to turn things around.

Yep. Sort of a perfect game for him. Hopefully with another scorer on the team, we'll be seeing more of this kind of game from him.

[Goldstar88]

Smart played well tonight, especially in the second half. Took over the PG duties and finished with 17pts, 9ast, only 2 TO. 4-11 from the field, 3-6 from 3pt and 6-6 from the FT line. Can’t really ask for more than that.

Was nice having Romeo’s size and defensive presence in the backcourt with Smart as well.

[liam]

Smart played well tonight, especially in the second half. Took over the PG duties and finished with 17pts, 9ast, only 2 TO. 4-11 from the field, 3-6 from 3pt and 6-6 from the FT line. Can’t really ask for more than that.

Was nice having Romeo’s size and defensive presence in the backcourt with Smart as well.

With an always switching defense you can't really play small guys. How many times to I have to watch Pritchard switched off on a center in the paint?

[JAH1892]

Always recognised it was a smart or Rozier arrangement regarding salaries/roles etc. Really wish scary terry was still around but.... for me....the issues with this roster stem from poor big/max signings. None of horford, kyrie, Hayward or Walker  worked or represented value for salary

[Goldstar88]

Smart played well tonight, especially in the second half. Took over the PG duties and finished with 17pts, 9ast, only 2 TO. 4-11 from the field, 3-6 from 3pt and 6-6 from the FT line. Can’t really ask for more than that.

Was nice having Romeo’s size and defensive presence in the backcourt with Smart as well.

With an always switching defense you can't really play small guys. How many times to I have to watch Pritchard switched off on a center in the paint?

Overall, I think Pritchard does a pretty good job of holding his own defensively. He’s 6’1” and just under 200lbs. Teams target  Kemba, which then leads to help defense and wide open shots for the opposition. They don’t do that often to Payton.

[Somebody]

Smart played well tonight, especially in the second half. Took over the PG duties and finished with 17pts, 9ast, only 2 TO. 4-11 from the field, 3-6 from 3pt and 6-6 from the FT line. Can’t really ask for more than that.

Was nice having Romeo’s size and defensive presence in the backcourt with Smart as well.

With an always switching defense you can't really play small guys. How many times to I have to watch Pritchard switched off on a center in the paint?

Overall, I think Pritchard does a pretty good job of holding his own defensively. He’s 6’1” and just under 200lbs. Teams target  Kemba, which then leads to help defense and wide open shots for the opposition. They don’t do that often to Payton.

To be fair I remember reading an article about Smart playing at centre against a seven footer for Team USA's youth team as a 6'1 guard below 200 pounds - and they won that game!

[ozgod]

Here's what Stevens said about Smartacus after the NY win.

Stevens, after Marcus Smart made a key putback layup and drilled a clutch 3-pointer, felt compelled to launch into a lengthy explanation of Smart’s worth.

“I think, obviously, this has been a really hard year in a lot of ways,” Stevens said. “But I believe in his resolve. I believe in who he is as a competitor. I know, because I’ve been around him, I know that sometimes we get caught up in some of the home run swings he takes, and I think those get overanalyzed and everybody misses the fact that he’s got the courage to do it. He’s tough, he helps you win, and tonight he made a ton of big plays.

“He doesn’t – he’s not excited about us being .500. None of us are, but in some ways, that’s the season we’ve had. It’s obviously who we are right now as a team. But again, if we could have more nights like this, play physical like that – and he did a great job of leading that – then we’ll have a chance.”

https://theathletic.com/2505845/2021/04/08/jaylen-brown-and-jayson-tatum-talk-it-through-and-the-celtics-find-some-daylight/

[IDreamCeltics]

I love that we're 7 years into the Marcus Smart experiment and people are still waiting for him to develop and mature as a player.

I have bad news for you guys...

[Goldstar88]

Here's what Stevens said about Smartacus after the NY win.

Stevens, after Marcus Smart made a key putback layup and drilled a clutch 3-pointer, felt compelled to launch into a lengthy explanation of Smart’s worth.

“I think, obviously, this has been a really hard year in a lot of ways,” Stevens said. “But I believe in his resolve. I believe in who he is as a competitor. I know, because I’ve been around him, I know that sometimes we get caught up in some of the home run swings he takes, and I think those get overanalyzed and everybody misses the fact that he’s got the courage to do it. He’s tough, he helps you win, and tonight he made a ton of big plays.

“He doesn’t – he’s not excited about us being .500. None of us are, but in some ways, that’s the season we’ve had. It’s obviously who we are right now as a team. But again, if we could have more nights like this, play physical like that – and he did a great job of leading that – then we’ll have a chance.”

https://theathletic.com/2505845/2021/04/08/jaylen-brown-and-jayson-tatum-talk-it-through-and-the-celtics-find-some-daylight/

As long as Brad is the coach and Danny the GM, I don’t see Smart going anywhere. They absolutely love him.

[LilRip]

Here's what Stevens said about Smartacus after the NY win.

Stevens, after Marcus Smart made a key putback layup and drilled a clutch 3-pointer, felt compelled to launch into a lengthy explanation of Smart’s worth.

“I think, obviously, this has been a really hard year in a lot of ways,” Stevens said. “But I believe in his resolve. I believe in who he is as a competitor. I know, because I’ve been around him, I know that sometimes we get caught up in some of the home run swings he takes, and I think those get overanalyzed and everybody misses the fact that he’s got the courage to do it. He’s tough, he helps you win, and tonight he made a ton of big plays.

“He doesn’t – he’s not excited about us being .500. None of us are, but in some ways, that’s the season we’ve had. It’s obviously who we are right now as a team. But again, if we could have more nights like this, play physical like that – and he did a great job of leading that – then we’ll have a chance.”

https://theathletic.com/2505845/2021/04/08/jaylen-brown-and-jayson-tatum-talk-it-through-and-the-celtics-find-some-daylight/

As long as Brad is the coach and Danny the GM, I don’t see Smart going anywhere. They absolutely love him.

That’d be fine if they could rein in some of his play. At this stage in his career, with the sheer lack of discipline he plays with half the time... can we not place some of the blame on the coaching staff?

Well, whatever, this team has so many issues outside of Smart.