This is the perfect opportunity for Smart

[LooseCannon]

The commitment to Smart as the Celtic's #1 pick along with the money they're paying him would suggest he'll start. He will defend his position and run the floor...imo.

Steven's commitment to the process suggests that Smart will get playing time based on how he is developing.

[Future Celtics Owner]

The commitment to Smart as the Celtic's #1 pick along with the money they're paying him would suggest he'll start. He will defend his position and run the floor...imo.

Steven's commitment to the process suggests that Smart will get playing time based on how he is developing.

Stevens did a great job coaching and developing guys Smart's age. So if he chooses Pressey to start first night or tries some other tricks I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt. Because all that matters is how Smart finishes the game, the season, and his career.

[vjcsmoke]

Agreed.  Smart needs to guard other point guards and dominate them.  AB needs to step up and show he can handle longer SGs.  If those two play maximum defense, we could have a stifling backcourt combo in the making.

Get well Rondo.  But now this opens the door for the rookie to shine!

[Future Celtics Owner]

Agreed.  Smart needs to guard other point guards and dominate them.  AB needs to step up and show he can handle longer SGs.  If those two play maximum defense, we could have a stifling backcourt combo in the making.

Get well Rondo.  But now this opens the door for the rookie to shine!

yes

[More Banners]

This is the perfect opportunity for Smart to assert himself for the C's. If Rondo is gone for 8 weeks, then he'll basically have 10 games to prove himself, and I assume he'll be starting for us in Rondo's absence. In those ten games, he'll have the opportunity to face Harden, Ellis, Lowry, Rose, Westbrook, Irving, Bledsoe/Dragic, MCW, and Conley. His calling card early in his career will be his defense, and in these first ten games he'll be thrown to the fire. Smart is a competitior, so I think this will be a great opportunity for him. I think he'll excel (defensively, at least) matching up with these star guards, and we'll really get to guage where he is at in Rondo's absence.

So what do you guys think? Will he keep his reputation as a ball-stopper against the elite NBA guards, or will he fizzle under the bright lights and be exposed by these stars?

I estimate Rondo to be out for the rest of this year. As soon as his hands heel from the surgery, he will need to do some rehab. Also build back strength for his upper body and get into overall basketball shape. 

Marcus Smart will get about 25 games to show what he can do.

You think Rondo is going to be until January because of a broken hand?  Seriously?  Is that thought grounded in any sort of medical reality or your pure speculation (agenda)?

A broken hand shouldn't keep an athlete from playing for 3+ months.  No way.

Rondo might miss 2-3 weeks of the regular season.  I wouldn't expect more than that.

Yes i do. Rondo does not need to be rushed back and needs to get back to to basketball shape.

Last year he cameback later than scheduled. Most athletes do after surgery

Contract year for Rondo.

Makes all the difference.

[TheTruthFot18]

With Rondo missing first 10 or so games what is the starting line up?

What I want: Smart, Bradley, Green, Sully, Zeller

What I think they'll actually do: Bradley, Wallace, Green, Bass, Zeller

[Nerf DPOY]

With Rondo missing first 10 or so games what is the starting line up?

What I want: Smart, Bradley, Green, Sully, Zeller

What I think they'll actually do: Bradley, Wallace, Green, Bass, Zeller

Wallace at the 2? Doubt it, though wouldn't be surprised if they had Bass over Sully despite the wishes of most here. It's not an atrocity. Sub Smart for Wallace in your second scenario and that's my guess.

[Birdman]

Hope people don't judge on Smart after just 10 games..like all rookies, he going to struggle

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I bet Marcus is ready to prove everyone what he can do on the floor.

Personally, I'm excited. At least we can already gauge what the rook can be capable off.

[Mencius]

In those ten games, he'll have the opportunity to face Harden, Ellis, Lowry, Rose, Westbrook, Irving, Bledsoe/Dragic, MCW, and Conley.

Man, that's a regular murderer's row.  If he holds his own against those guys, we'll know we have something special on our hands.

[Future Celtics Owner]

In those ten games, he'll have the opportunity to face Harden, Ellis, Lowry, Rose, Westbrook, Irving, Bledsoe/Dragic, MCW, and Conley.

Man, that's a regular murderer's row.  If he holds his own against those guys, we'll know we have something special on our hands.

Couldn't have said it better ...tp.

[Future Celtics Owner]

With Rondo missing first 10 or so games what is the starting line up?

What I want: Smart, Bradley, Green, Sully, Zeller

What I think they'll actually do: Bradley, Wallace, Green, Bass, Zeller

Wallace at the 2? Doubt it, though wouldn't be surprised if they had Bass over Sully despite the wishes of most here. It's not an atrocity. Sub Smart for Wallace in your second scenario and that's my guess.

Bradley will not be playing any point...imo. Pressey is a better point than him and it makes no sense to put AB at the point when we have Smart and Pressey.

[Tr1boy]

Hope people don't judge on Smart after just 10 games..like all rookies, he going to struggle

He won't.  Even if he shoots 3 for 9, he is going to be a pitbull on the defensive end.

He is going to make an impact for the team on the court one way or another