Marcus Smart. 2019 NBA All-Defensive First Team. 2015 All-Rookie Second Team. Those are the only two honors Marcus has received so far in his career, which is wild to think about when you see how important he is to his team. A year removed from his very first All-Defensive Team selection (to quote the Grindfather Tony Allen, “First Team All-Defense”), Smart has somehow upped his game on the defensive end of the floor. Reminiscent of Draymond Green for the Golden State Warriors with their (pre-Durant) “Death Lineup,” Marcus matches up with opposing big men, often IN THE POST, and often does more than just hold his ground. That’s made even more impressive by the fact that he’s (only) a legit 6’3”. He is terrifically tenacious and as electrifying as anyone can be on the opposite side of the offense. That being said - we’re here for his passing. Marcus was having a career year across the board this season in addition to his increased defensive abilities: 13.5 points per game, 2.4 made three pointers a game, shooting 83.5% from the line AND 4.8 assists per game. Those 4.8 assists might not seem like much, but he ranks SECOND on the team in assists, just behind Kemba Walker's 4.9 assists per game.
Marcus is a pretty prolific passer. He’s the very definition of someone who has continued to grow their game as long as they’ve been in the league. Teams used to give Marcus the Rondo treatment (for you younger people: the Ben Simmons treatment) on defense - just sag off. He can’t hit a shot or make a play off the dribble so we’ll just pack the paint. He’s worked on his weaknesses and the ability to make the reads he’s making now while throwing the passes that he throws…man. I just can’t talk enough about how good of a passer he’s become.
NO ONE else on the Celtics can make the Boston faithful ooh and aah more than Marcus simply because Smart’s passion and intensity, his hustle and heart, shine through on every possession. Add to that the increasingly impressive passes he’s throwing…well, if he keeps going on like this, you MIGHT have the makings of someone the who will earn a jersey retirement sometime down the road.
If you'd like to support:
Venmo - @Evin_Gual
Cash App - $EvinGual
Patreon - / evin_gual
Special shouts to the likes of:
@SmartHighlights
@downtobuck
@Timi
Here's a link to some of his career passing highlights:
• Marcus Smart - Primeti...