Smart expected back next week

ESPNBOSTON

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

Boston Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart is expected to return to game action next week, according to coach Brad Stevens.

While Smart is only starting to ramp up his on-court activity as he works his way back from a left ankle injury, Stevens told reporters in Philadelphia on Wednesday that Smart could be back as early as Sunday's visit from the Portland Trail Blazers. The more likely scenario is a return later in the week as Boston has a four-day break through Thanksgiving before hosting the Chicago Bulls in a Friday matinee.

"I think there is the potential that he could be back as early as early next week," Stevens said. "I, personally, think Sunday would be stretching it. I don’t know that. But then, I think he could be back [on the floor] once we have that four-day break."

Smart suffered a severe ankle sprain and bone bruising after stepping on an opponent's foot earlier this month against the Indiana Pacers. While the injury looked worse and Smart was stretchered off the floor, the team announced that Smart would miss 2-3 weeks, a timeline that pegged him for a return next week.

Smart is traveling with the Celtics on a brief two-game road trip, but is still easing his way back.

"He was able to move and shoot a little [during Tuesday's practice], nothing more than that," Stevens said. "He’s not able to do any of the defensive drills, not able to do 5-on-5, nothing laterally. At least that’s what I’ve been told as of [Wednesday]."

Stevens stressed that the team won't rush Smart's return to either practice or game action.

"He’s not going to play in anything until he’s ready," Stevens said. "If he was ready as early as Sunday, we’d play him. But if he’s not, then it makes sense to have [four] more days."

The Celtics have missed Smart's defensive tenacity in recent games. In five appearances, Smart was averaging 6.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals over 20.4 minutes per game. Boston found success with smaller three-guard lineups that often featured him alongside the starting backcourt of Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo.

112288

It'll be nice to see Marcus get back on the developmental track.

Sam

Having dealt with several of these high ankle sprains there is no guarantee that Smart will be back next week. And, if he gets cleared to add basketball activities next week he may not be able to go full go for a while still.

Hopefully, he does return quickly. I like this guy and see him as a long time, solid pro player.

It's not often that a player arrives with great defensive ability at multiple positions, major guts and intensity, native leadership skills, and signs of having the potential to improve his offensive game dramatically over time.  Probably never happened before.  Except in 1963.

Sam

Wide,

I agree, perhaps what they really mean is light practice.  Since the area has been traumatized and is weak, it is subject to further damage.  I will be satisfied if he comes back in and around Dec. 7th.

112288

Well this is good news.

I think the Celtics missed his defense mostly. He is a rare talent.

dboss

Hate to be the ant at the garden party but what does it say about the team when the return of a 6'4" rookie is considered "significant"?


bob



.

There's an understandable tendency to be grateful for small favors in a challenging year.  Always nice when a promising rookie comes back after an injury.  No huge deal.

Sam

bobheckler wrote:Hate to be the ant at the garden party but what does it say about the team when the return of a 6'4" rookie is considered "significant"?


bob



.

its obvious were not that good

"Hate to be the ant at the garden party but what does it say about the team when the return of a 6'4" rookie is considered "significant"?"
Bob, it might mean the rookie is excellent! Hawk

hawksnestbeach wrote:"Hate to be the ant at the garden party but what does it say about the team when the return of a 6'4" rookie is considered "significant"?"
Bob, it might mean the rookie is excellent! Hawk

Going with Hawk here.

What it says here is that the Celtics drafted 1 hellava rookie.

Few players come into the NBA and already know how to play defense at his level.

When was the last time that Boston went out and drafted a defensive guard this good?

The difference between points up and points down is razor thin. Smart may help the team get on the + side.

dboss