Marcus Smart

[Royrebirth]

Although it may have taken nearly two years for Marcus Smart to figure out and become comfortable with his role on the Celtics — as a multi-purpose guard/forward agitator off the bench — the third-year guard is completely comfortable dressing down his teammates when necessary.

And after the third quarter Monday night against the young Minnesota Timberwolves, it was necessary. The Celtics trailed by 13 points, were getting pounded on the boards, and “punked” in the paint, according to guard Isaiah Thomas.

So Smart chided his team after the third period, challenging their desire and toughness.

The result was a stirring fourth-quarter Celtics’ run, one in which they turned the Timberwolves timid offensively while Boston pushed the pace and scored at will. A 19-0 run led to a satisfying 99-93 win at the Target Center, at by the end, the 13,167 in attendance were booing the home team after another disheartening loss.

Source: http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/11/21/celtcis-rally-past-timberwolves/Htbo3n8GZXo2VWlWHaIdrJ/story.html


Yet another game where Marcus has made the difference. I love this guy, and I hope his offense comes together.

[tankcity!]

Definitely the team leader at this point.

[straightouttabahstun]

Someone on another thread mentioned this, and I agree, but Smart reminds me of Paul Pierce in the late years of his career in terms of leadership and general clutchness. I'm not sure he can be the scorer Pierce was (Jaylen will definitely take that spot, he will be AWESOME in a year or two), but having that poise to step up when needed makes them both very similar. If we do not trade Smart and we truly let IT walk in FA, Smart deserves to be the Captain of this franchise.

[Clench123]

His heart and leadership skills can't be questioned at this point.  The guy is great for us.

[LarBrd33]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

[SHAQATTACK]

Coach onthe floor

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

I don't know who is better. They are different players, but they both bring great energy.

There will be growing pains, but we are force-feeding them early this season, which is developing their confidence and game. I like them both.

[Tr1boy]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

I like seeing them out together. Tough defense. And each feeds off each others intensity

[ThePaintedArea]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

No, we are not. But we're also unsure what "better" means, or especially how to measure it.

[tankcity!]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

Only time will tell. I love Rozier, everyone on this blog knows this. He needs to get better at defense before we can make that leap. He misses on a lot of rotations and it's frustrating.

[Big333223]

And this story is completely what I've come to expect from Marcus. He works his ass off and demands so of his teammates. I think he's exactly the type of guy you always want in your locker room. I hope he stays around for a long time.

[Monkhouse]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

Yeah okay... Lol.

[BlackCeltic]

Marcus Smart had an Antoine Walker moment. Who knows what type of player Paul Pierce would have been had he not received that tongue lashing on the bench from Toine. Im glad Marcus has the ability to step up at such a young age. He is beyond his years and still improving.

[IDreamCeltics]

Are we sure he's better than Rozier

Seems like he's a better point guard than Rozier.  I think it's up for debate if he's a better guard off the ball.   

[vjcsmoke]

Marcus Smart is a really improved player.
Better passing, better 3 point shooting, a guy you actually want out there on the floor in the closing minutes of a game.

I feel like he's more of a Dennis Johnson type than a Paul Pierce type.  A defensive first guy who can step up in the clutch.  But that's a valuable player to have.  All championship teams need guys like that.

I'm really glad we kept Smart and chose to be patient.
Now we just need to find our next Paul Pierce or Larry Bird.