My hopes for Marcus Smart

[Bostoncelticsforlife7]

I've been telling myself for years that Smart will be a star one day, he just has to improve on offense. But I've finally accepted that he probably won't average more than 15 PPG in his career, he just isn't a scorer. Smart had definitely has his share of shamefully bad offensive performances through out his career, yet he is still my favorite Celtic (by far). Even though I've accepted that Smart won't be a star, I can't stand the idea of Smart playing on a different team.

My hopes for Smart is that he stays with the Celtics his whole career and becomes an all time great role player for us. What do you guys think?

[hodgy03038]

I've been telling myself for years that Smart will be a star one day, he just has to improve on offense. But I've finally accepted that he probably won't average more than 15 PPG in his career, he just isn't a scorer. Smart had definitely has his share of shamefully bad offensive performances through out his career, yet he is still my favorite Celtic (by far). Even though I've accepted that Smart won't be a star, I can't stand the idea of Smart playing on a different team.

My hopes for Smart is that he stays with the Celtics his whole career and becomes an all time great role player for us. What do you guys think?

I am with you and he is also my favorite.

[ThePaintedArea]

I've been telling myself for years that Smart will be a star one day, he just has to improve on offense. But I've finally accepted that he probably won't average more than 15 PPG in his career, he just isn't a scorer. Smart had definitely has his share of shamefully bad offensive performances through out his career, yet he is still my favorite Celtic (by far). Even though I've accepted that Smart won't be a star, I can't stand the idea of Smart playing on a different team.

My hopes for Smart is that he stays with the Celtics his whole career and becomes an all time great role player for us. What do you guys think?

I agree.  He's a Celtic.

What's a Celtic?

I think an old quote from Don Nelson gives you an idea: "We worked like hell on defense, and ran on offense.  We ran on made free throws."

No letup, 48 minutes of aggression... and it was always "we".  Wilt Chamberlain was Superman, truly, but Boston won the championships.

Carmelo Anthony need not apply.

[Monkhouse]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

[spikelovetheCelts]

With a work ethic like smart and the heart of a lion he has. I think he could get a year pr two of 20 points a game with 10 assist. I want him to be a Celtic for life. I just love to hear the words Smart just checked back in to the game". His future is bright. Just look how AB has grown.

[droopdog7]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

Because offense is important.  When I played, the "pick man" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "defensive specialist" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "try hard" guy was the guy who couldn't play.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that all those things contribute to winning.  But they are the things that are much easier to find, and are only really noticed with good players around them.  If smart was on the nets, he'd probably average a few more points (in a very inefficient manner).  But the team would stink about the same.  Jeremy Lin would do more for a bad team than someone like smart.

[ThePaintedArea]

I've been telling myself for years that Smart will be a star one day

I have my doubts.  Almost always, "star" means "scorer". Does Marcus have a future as a scorer?

I recall Bird saying that DJ was the best player he ever played with.  Worth thinking about.

[nickagneta]

I think he is finally being used offensively as he should have been used from the time he got here and that is as an offense facillitating PG who's scoring is mostly done from inside 18 feet. He also needs to post up smaller PGs more.

He should never have been taking 5-6 three pointers a game. He should never have been used as a catch and shoot SG. While the Celtics had to see if he could develop that shot, I think they just took that too far.

Kid is an incredible defender; strong, fearless, energetic, tough....love everything about his defense

[Kuberski33]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

The shot is the difference between Smart becoming an all star caliber talent vs a starter for certain teams/6th or 7th man for others type.  If he had come along 25 years ago he would have been an all star and probably a legendary Celtic.  Today's game unfortunately for him really favors shooters.

[Monkhouse]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

Because offense is important.  When I played, the "pick man" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "defensive specialist" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "try hard" guy was the guy who couldn't play.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that all those things contribute to winning.  But they are the things that are much easier to find, and are only really noticed with good players around them.  If smart was on the nets, he'd probably average a few more points (in a very inefficient manner).  But the team would stink about the same.  Jeremy Lin would do more for a bad team than someone like smart.

I agree, they are easier to find, but that in itself is also an exaggeration. You can find role players, and defensive minded players anywhere in the NBA, but finding players like Tony Allen, Draymond Green, Shane Battier, Marcus Smart, 76ers Iggy, etc, are very hard to find that are consistently more than just a regular glue or 'role' player.

I also don't think Smart is a role player, right now? Maybe he is. I think he will indeed either a) develop a more consistent floater b) model more post moves in the post to be able to score easy buckets c) or at least improve his shot or be able to use his size to grab fouls.

A player like Smart is extremely valuable, and while he is my favorite Celtic right now, I don't think he's untouchable, but you don't give him away that easily. A player that can guard 1-4's, lead the league in offensive charges taken, consistently have amazing defense, and improving play making ability doesn't just grow on trees.

If you guys can name me 3 players that are similar to Marcus Smart besides Tony Allen or Draymond Green, then I'll give you a few TPs.

[hodgy03038]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

Because offense is important.  When I played, the "pick man" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "defensive specialist" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "try hard" guy was the guy who couldn't play.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that all those things contribute to winning.  But they are the things that are much easier to find, and are only really noticed with good players around them.  If smart was on the nets, he'd probably average a few more points (in a very inefficient manner).  But the team would stink about the same.  Jeremy Lin would do more for a bad team than someone like smart.

I agree, they are easier to find, but that in itself is also an exaggeration. You can find role players, and defensive minded players anywhere in the NBA, but finding players like Tony Allen, Draymond Green, Shane Battier, Marcus Smart, 76ers Iggy, etc, are very hard to find that are consistently more than just a regular glue or 'role' player.

I also don't think Smart is a role player, right now? Maybe he is. I think he will indeed either a) develop a more consistent floater b) model more post moves in the post to be able to score easy buckets c) or at least improve his shot or be able to use his size to grab fouls.

A player like Smart is extremely valuable, and while he is my favorite Celtic right now, I don't think he's untouchable, but you don't give him away that easily. A player that can guard 1-4's, lead the league in offensive charges taken, consistently have amazing defense, and improving play making ability doesn't just grow on trees.

If you guys can name me 3 players that are similar to Marcus Smart besides Tony Allen or Draymond Green, then I'll give you a few TPs.

Just throwing these players out there without looking at numbers I would say...

Patrick Beverly
Iman Shumpert
Avery Bradley

[Monkhouse]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

Because offense is important.  When I played, the "pick man" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "defensive specialist" was the guy who couldn't play.  The "try hard" guy was the guy who couldn't play.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that all those things contribute to winning.  But they are the things that are much easier to find, and are only really noticed with good players around them.  If smart was on the nets, he'd probably average a few more points (in a very inefficient manner).  But the team would stink about the same.  Jeremy Lin would do more for a bad team than someone like smart.

I agree, they are easier to find, but that in itself is also an exaggeration. You can find role players, and defensive minded players anywhere in the NBA, but finding players like Tony Allen, Draymond Green, Shane Battier, Marcus Smart, 76ers Iggy, etc, are very hard to find that are consistently more than just a regular glue or 'role' player.

I also don't think Smart is a role player, right now? Maybe he is. I think he will indeed either a) develop a more consistent floater b) model more post moves in the post to be able to score easy buckets c) or at least improve his shot or be able to use his size to grab fouls.

A player like Smart is extremely valuable, and while he is my favorite Celtic right now, I don't think he's untouchable, but you don't give him away that easily. A player that can guard 1-4's, lead the league in offensive charges taken, consistently have amazing defense, and improving play making ability doesn't just grow on trees.

If you guys can name me 3 players that are similar to Marcus Smart besides Tony Allen or Draymond Green, then I'll give you a few TPs.

Just throwing these players out there without looking at numbers I would say...

Patrick Beverly
Iman Shumpert
Avery Bradley

Only one I really see sharing similarities in their game is Beverly, and I would attest and say Beverly benefits from playing next to really good scorers in Harden, Anderson, and Gordon who are all great 3 pointer shooters.

TP for the list though.

[GreenWarrior]

I don't get why people care so much about offense. Yes, its important, but there are other ways to create or be useful on offense. Smart sets good picks/screens, rolls to the basket, tries to go for put backs, offensive boards, pocket/bounce passes to the rolling big man, and just an increased improved feel for play making.

I have no doubt Smart will eventually average with at least 28-32 MPG, or at least a super sixth man role. 12-14 PPG, 4-5 RPG, and 6-7 APG or even more, with 1.8 SPG, and All First Team Defense.

Who know who else has similar numbers, and is considered a two way star?

Smart also has the clutch gene, and he's proved and shown it many times. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 is also a perfect example.

I think the reason people care so much about the offense is because as high as he was drafted you should  be looking to get an all star or close to it.

I said from day 1 of us drafting him that I didn't think he'll ever be an "All" anything, his numbers just won't be there from game to game to have the averages you need.

but with marcus it's difficult to quantify what he does, because his play tends to lead to another player getting the credit.

so if you're a numbers guy you probably won't like Smart. I for one love the dude and he is my favorite current celtic. unfortunately it seems like he'll be the odd man out when instead it should be crowder, Bradley or rozier. but smart seems too much of an NBA player for brad to handle.

[IDreamCeltics]

My hope for Smart is that he gets flipped for some reasonable assets.

He's the most likely candidate to be made irrelevant by the upcoming draft and you never want to get into the 76'ers position of having too many guys who play the same position. 

Smart and a future first for some rotation big like Nurkic would be a great return...  If you can get a pick in return in the deal, even better.

Defensive wings who hustle and have no offense are available late in every draft, and more importantly point guards who aren't a threat to score 30 points are completely irrelevant in today's NBA. 

 

[Pvictor11]

My hope for Smart is that he gets flipped for some reasonable assets.

He's the most likely candidate to be made irrelevant by the upcoming draft and you never want to get into the 76'ers position of having too many guys who play the same position. 

Smart and a future first for some rotation big like Nurkic would be a great return...  If you can get a pick in return in the deal, even better.

Defensive wings who hustle and have no offense are available late in every draft, and more importantly point guards who aren't a threat to score 30 points are completely irrelevant in today's NBA. 

 

Smart AND a future first for Nurkic ?

Smart is the better player in the deal and you want to give a first to bring a guy that Denver is desperate to trade ? And can't start on a Denver team that is below .500

Sometimes I get shocked with the way some people here think. Smart is my favorite Celtic and he is a true winner. A guy who doesn't care about stats or anything besides winninge. I love his attitude and I wouldn't trade him for 90% of the players in the NBA and there are people who would trade him for a bottle of water if they could.

I'm so happy Danny Ainge is our GM and not some of the fans who post here.