Marcus Smart opens up about offseason work with Chauncey Billups

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2017/09/boston_celtics_news_marcus_sma_6.html



Boston Celtics news: Marcus Smart opens up about offseason work with Chauncey Billups



Posted on September 28, 2017 at 7:30 AM



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Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart poses during NBA basketball media day in Canton, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)



By Jay King




NEWPORT, R.I. -- No matter how Marcus Smart shoots the basketball, Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens likes to smile and say the guard has a knack for hitting the important ones. But even with a growing collection of winning plays on his resume already, Smart's reputation as a clutch player pales in comparison to that of his new mentor, Chauncey Billups.

During the offseason, Smart said he spent four days in Denver with Billups this August, working out, watching film and learning whatever he could from the five-time All-Star. Though Smart has always recognized similarities between his own game and Billups' -- specifically, their toughness, physicality and love for contact -- the two never connected, save for a handful of passing conversations, until this summer.

Thinking a partnership could benefit Smart, Celtics assistant coach Jay Larranaga reached out to Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue, Billups' good friend, to help facilitate a meeting. Billups offered to spend time with Smart in Denver, where the two discussed everything from point guard play to what it takes to make a mid-career leap.

"Growing up, we were similar in certain ways," Smart said during an interview Wednesday afternoon. "Body types and everything. So what better way to learn this position and learn how to become a better player in this league than somebody who's similar to you in certain ways. He was very poised, calm and collected. He never was rushed. And, like me in my earlier years, he was still trying to find himself earlier in his career. And then once he found himself, he established himself and became one of the greatest players to do it."


Even before taking Smart under his wing, Billups considered himself a fan of the guard's game. During the playoffs last season, he tweeted, "Y'all say what u want about Marcus Smart but that kid makes winning plays every game in the (fourth quarter)."

Smart has always been known for impacting games in a variety of ways, but hopes a summer dedicated to reshaping his body can result in improved consistency and efficiency. Billups knows plenty about those two categories. After taking years to find his footing in the NBA, he developed into a king of both, forever crushing efficiency stats like true shooting percentage. He might be best known for his famous clutch shots, but the guard was also ahead of his time as someone who primarily hunted down 3-pointers, layups and free throws. He knew how to find what he wanted.

"Him working on the shots he wanted, the shots he was going to get in the games, getting there, getting to his spot, ain't nobody could stop him from getting to his spot," Smart said. "And then once he got to his spot, he's been doing it all his life, he knew what to do, and he just kept doing it over and over."

Thankfully for Smart, Billups was open to sharing his wisdom with a younger player. Smart said he has learned plenty about professionalism and preparation from the 17-year pro already. The two still text "here and there every day" and plan to maintain a relationship throughout the season.


"Super (veteran)," Smart said. "That word describes him best. Like, everything he does is precise. And it's bam, bam, bam. It's very particular for himself. He doesn't go out there and try to do what other guys do. He does things that he's going to get in a game, the things that he wants in a game. So he definitely is a super veteran. He was Mr. Big Shot for a reason."

And now, Mr. Big Mentor.



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