marcus was jumping like he used to

[rollie mass]

the blocked shot against oklahoma it was not just vertical but he exploded up,that had been missing--the celts have had some very good defenders but none so violently physical- this kid knows all the tricks and then some-i would love to hear what opposing quards talk say about him -at the beginning of season i posted the refs may let this kid play and not give him rookie fouls-he came in with big rep and i think the league said let him play,he's going to be a defensive star of future--he plays d like a middle linebacker for green bay back in the day--imagine he is only 20yrs old-

[Eddie20]

I can't wait to see how much better are already good perimeter defenders look once they get a legit rim protector behind them.

[manl_lui]

and it's not just the game against OKC, I forgot which game, he chased some kid down and straight up spiked the ball back down. I LOVE how he's showing some new tricks every few games. Makes me excited for him next year.

Edit: found it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzArovfYk5Y

[BDeCosta26]

I can't wait to see how much better are already good perimeter defenders look once they get a legit rim protector behind them.

A legit rim protector would make us a very strong defense. Smart and Bradley could well grow into being the best defensive back court in the NBA and a real Hibbert/Jordan-esque stopper in the paint would make us a nightmare to play against. Stevens also has us playing very good team defense, and I don't expect that to change.

We're much closer to contention then it seemed 3 months ago, and if we can just add those couple of pieces we really have something here .

[hpantazo]

I can't wait to see how much better are already good perimeter defenders look once they get a legit rim protector behind them.

A legit rim protector would make us a very strong defense. Smart and Bradley could well grow into being the best defensive back court in the NBA and a real Hibbert/Jordan-esque stopper in the paint would make us a nightmare to play against. Stevens also has us playing very good team defense, and I don't expect that to change.

We're much closer to contention then it seemed 3 months ago, and if we can just add those couple of pieces we really have something here .

Well, Hibbert is a FA this summer , and considering the past two seasons he has had, we should be able to get him for a reasonable deal.

[spikelovetheCelts]

Willie Cauley Stein is the best piece for us to add. We don't need Jordan or Hibbert.
We should go all in for him. Make sure you watch Kentucky you will see why.

[Evantime34]

Willie Cauley Stein is the best piece for us to add. We don't need Jordan or Hibbert.
We should go all in for him. Make sure you watch Kentucky you will see why.

He could give our defense a group of young players who could someday turn into an elite defense. We will need to address scoring at some point but hopefully we can do that in free agency or Young/Smart developing offensively)

[rollie mass]

not to be mean but i don't get all the young hoopla,i watched him with red claws recently-dribbling skills ,getting to hoop,first step-i just don't get it-can he create,can he play d and get over top of screens-griffin kid is better-he hasn't improved one bit this year-

[GreenGoggles]

Pure speculation on my part but it makes alot of sense that Smart had some kind of lower leg injury early in the season. Nothing serious but it explains his lack of driving to the rim and overall lower aggression in the paint early on.

[marlon.oddo]

Great video, manl...

it's amazing that Smart didn't get called for a foul on either play.  Like other posters are saying, if we had a muscular 7 footer (sort of a 2" taller Perk with a better offensive game) that was close to the defender that Smart is, that would be awesome.  I expect next year (depending on who we get in the offseason), we'll be a top 5 defensive team.

[GetLucky]

Pure speculation on my part but it makes alot of sense that Smart had some kind of lower leg injury early in the season. Nothing serious but it explains his lack of driving to the rim and overall lower aggression in the paint early on.

Like the severe injury to his ankle that he actually did suffer?

[Rosco917]

I can't wait to see how much better are already good perimeter defenders look once they get a legit rim protector behind them.

A legit rim protector would make us a very strong defense. Smart and Bradley could well grow into being the best defensive back court in the NBA and a real Hibbert/Jordan-esque stopper in the paint would make us a nightmare to play against. Stevens also has us playing very good team defense, and I don't expect that to change.

We're much closer to contention then it seemed 3 months ago, and if we can just add those couple of pieces we really have something here .

This ^^ 100%, a legit defensive minded center, with some size and length would dissuade teams from attacking the rim on us. This soft underbelly is the place we always get attacked. This, along with the cards we were already dealt...Smart, Bradley and yes, Crowder would give us a nice defensive unit. Blend this unit with some scorers like IT, Sully, and another Free Agent and we may make some noise.   

[Celtics4ever]

Let's hope so.

[celtics2030]

Marcus has incredible heart. The guy is a winner body and mind. He puts everything out there.

Now his decision making and his lack of other skillsets is what doesnt allow him to make that jump.

But there is so much time left to improve and garner skillsets. So we should all be excited.

[rollie mass]

he is lucky to havs isiah to mentor him about going to hoop,his style from college will have to adapt but i was  pleased to him going to hoop even when blocked-this will be humbling at times even embarassing and painful-i was just thinking how the game had slowed down for marcus and he seemed quicker-and then the blocks and train wreck- on d---