Marcus Smart is about to be big time

[KeepRondo]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

[PickNRoll]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

It started about 6 games ago.  I actually view tonight's game as a setback.  For Stevens to play him only 14 minutes is maddening.  But that's why he's Brad Stevens and I'm Joe Nobody.  Smart has some lessons to learn and Stevens is a good teacher.  For now, I'll believe in that.  Smart is my favorite Celtic by far.  PURE HUSTLE.

[KeepRondo]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

It started about 6 games ago.  I actually view tonight's game as a setback.  For Stevens to play him only 14 minutes is maddening.  But that's why he's Brad Stevens and I'm Joe Nobody.  Smart has some lessons to learn and Stevens is a good teacher.  For now, I'll believe in that.  Smart is my favorite Celtic by far.  PURE HUSTLE.

I think he probably finishes out the game tonight if he didn't pick up his fifth foul. That would had been a huge chunk of minutes. Hard to put that on Stevens.

[PickNRoll]

Let him foul out.  He averages 22mpg.  Why sweat it when he picks up fouls?  He didn't play all the crunch time minutes anyways.  Either he's one of your best players, or he's not.  Make it clear.  In my mind, he is.

[jpotter33]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

It started about 6 games ago.  I actually view tonight's game as a setback.  For Stevens to play him only 14 minutes is maddening.  But that's why he's Brad Stevens and I'm Joe Nobody.  Smart has some lessons to learn and Stevens is a good teacher.  For now, I'll believe in that.  Smart is my favorite Celtic by far.  PURE HUSTLE.

It's probably been even more games than that. I keep saying it, but ever since the Rondo trade he's got better and better. This was always going to be a tough season for him given his undefined role on the team. Hopefully soon Stevens will just give him the starting position and we'll really see his potential start to play out. Once he gets handed the keys to this team, we'll really start to see the skill this kid has. He's already become my favorite player due purely to his heart and hustle.

[kraidstar]

it's exciting watching him develop. he still rushes himself sometimes, especially when he drives to the hoop, but once he finds his calm he'll really start to make strides there, he has the talent, heart, and work effort to figure it out.
and his defense is even better than advertised, it's super-rare to see a rookie play so well on that end. if he can just rise to the level of a "good" offensive player he'll be a star because of his D and intangibles.

[PickNRoll]

it's exciting watching him develop. he still rushes himself sometimes, especially when he drives to the hoop, but once he finds his calm he'll really start to make strides there, he has the talent, heart, and work effort to figure it out.
and his defense is even better than advertised, it's super-rare to see a rookie play so well on that end. if he can just rise to the level of a "good" offensive player he'll be a star because of his D and intangibles.

Agree.  12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists make this kid an all-star.  Everything else is that good.

[Rakulp]

Let him foul out.  He averages 22mpg.  Why sweat it when he picks up fouls?  He didn't play all the crunch time minutes anyways.  Either he's one of your best players, or he's not.  Make it clear.  In my mind, he is.

Don't necessarily agree on the "let him foul out" opinion.

You protect your players as much as possible from fouling out because this game can change in a moment's notice.  Double, triple overtimes or just the need for 3 seconds of awesome defense to prevent a game winning shot are reasons enough to do everything possible to not lose a valuable player to a meaningless last foul.

Rak

[Tr1boy]

As long as he has his defense to fall back on, he will be fine , even through droughts. Open 3s are going in at a consistent rate.

Like some of his passes tonight that we have never seen before

[aingeforthree]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

I didn't know he had the bball IQ that he shows. Excellent passer already and it's surprised me. I didn't see him in college a lot so I had no idea he could facilitate like he's doing now. Impressive for a 20 year old.

He's an all world defender and just a straight nat against opposing guards.

[rollie mass]

 as a rookie marcus has drawn much attention from pre season onwards about d, that at all star break people will be talking more about marcus improved shot wise as well.
.The point i'm trying to make is that nba needs young stars and in second half of season marcus may be allowed to play his style of defense by ref's.
-Not that i don't think they have all ready done that but to a even greater extent.KO just breathes on players and gets called for a foul,i was concerned for him lately as he has attempted to be quicker and aggressive and because of this i noticed an increase of getting tripped up or landing awkwardly,
much earlier had posted there was some solace for the less vertical players,they seemed more durable.

[moiso]

it's exciting watching him develop. he still rushes himself sometimes, especially when he drives to the hoop, but once he finds his calm he'll really start to make strides there, he has the talent, heart, and work effort to figure it out.
and his defense is even better than advertised, it's super-rare to see a rookie play so well on that end. if he can just rise to the level of a "good" offensive player he'll be a star because of his D and intangibles.

Agree.  12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists make this kid an all-star.  Everything else is that good.

Those numbers might make him as good as an allstar but they will never get him onto an allstar team.

[SHAQATTACK]

Look how long it took AB to right his ship .

It a long journey to the top of their game for most guys this young.

it will another two years MIN  before you can even speculate what his ceiling is .

Smart is way ahead of the curve , very few rookies are contributing at the level with the guard pressure he is being asked to play.

I'm just excited he can hit the three decent.    I was expecting a shooter as bad as Rondo .

He'll develop a little inside attack game and better passing .   He is just so young .

Be patient .

[KeepRondo]

I'm throwing away the box score for these last two games and using the eye test. This dude is about to make the leap. He just looks more comfortable out there and has started to show his athletic ability more. There were a few times tonight when it was obvious that Smart was our most athletic player. And I think if he didn't pick up that fifth foul that he would had taken that game over tonight.

I didn't know he had the bball IQ that he shows. Excellent passer already and it's surprised me. I didn't see him in college a lot so I had no idea he could facilitate like he's doing now. Impressive for a 20 year old.

He's an all world defender and just a straight nat against opposing guards.

You're right. Although I think he has more of a natural feel for the game then bball iq. But I guess you could say those two things go together.

[greg683x]

Look how long it took AB to right his ship .

It a long journey to the top of their game for most guys this young.

it will another two years MIN  before you can even speculate what his ceiling is .

Smart is way ahead of the curve , very few rookies are contributing at the level with the guard pressure he is being asked to play.

I'm just excited he can hit the three decent.    I was expecting a shooter as bad as Rondo .

He'll develop a little inside attack game and better passing .   He is just so young .

Be patient .

although he showed more than smart has, many thought John Wall was a bust after his first couple years in the league