Al Horford: Marcus Smart most impressive so far as Boston Celtics teammate

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2016/10/al_horford_marcus_smart_most_i.html




Al Horford: Marcus Smart most impressive so far as Boston Celtics teammate



Marcus Smart
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart takes a selfie during NBA basketball media day at the team's training facility Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, in Waltham, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)



Jay King | mjking@masslive.com By Jay King | mjking@masslive.com


on October 21, 2016 at 6:45 PM



After meeting the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last season, Al Horford knew plenty about the team before he joined it this summer. Still, he has learned more up close about his new teammates, including Marcus Smart, who has really caught Horford's eye.

During a recent appearance on ESPN radio's Russillo and Kanell show (video below), Horford singled out Smart when asked which player has impressed the most as a teammate.

"There's a few guys, but I think I would definitely say Marcus Smart," Horford said. "He's a guy that really, really knows how to play. He understands the game of basketball. He's the ultimate competitor. He really competes, he really gets after it. And I was just impressed by his basketball IQ. I knew he was a smart player, he was good, but he sees things way before a lot of people see them, and he anticipates plays -- on the offensive and defensive end. So for being such a young player, he's a very, very smart player."

Smart sprained his ankle in the preseason finale, but still hasn't been ruled out of returning by the regular season opener.

"Is there a chance?" team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Friday before practice. "Sure, there's a chance."

"Marcus is better (Friday)," Ainge added. "I don't know a clean timeframe. I think those are always dangerous this early in the rehab, but his tests are good. It's a sprained ankle, and he'll take it day by day I guess."



bob


.

Smart very versatile offensive game, and smart and a pitbull on defense, not an elite shooter, but can make plays all over the floor.