Marcus Smart Decision Time

by **Phil Pressey** Fri Feb 02, 2018 12:42 am

I thought about adding a poll, but it'd be too much work. Marcus Smart could be traded before I finish the post.

I am the type of Celtics fan who thinks Smart is Hall of Fame on defense and a game killer on offense. I've tried to be patient. This is year four. He could simply be a bad fit for Stevens' system on offense. He is perfect on defense. I'm not debating that. I'm curious if he is perhaps overrated.

Someone should put together the stats on him. All of them. Add up everything he does on defense. Taking charges. Steals. Hustle stats. Whatever. How much does Smart influence team defense? Is he on another level to everyone else or is he just extremely above average?

Then on offense, let's add up everything he does. Missed shots. Turnovers. Going in the wrong direction for free throw percentage. Low assist totals. It's hard to imagine he is average on offense. So is he very bad or historically bad? What is holding him back? He was supposed to break through this year, not Jaylen Brown. He worked on his shooting. I know there's no need to repeat everything.

And now there is this "talk to the hand" business. He flashed the finger at fans one game. He punched a wall.

I'm very disappointed in Marcus Smart. I was ready to become his biggest fan. I can be very loyal. Last year I felt everything was hinging on Amir Johnson taking things to a high level. That to me was the puncher's chance. A big what if this year is wild card Marcus Smart.

I don't get it. If you can't hit threes, shoot less of them. If he could hit post-ups, drive for some layups, hit easier shots, keep the free throws towards 80% and pile up assists with low turnovers to the best of his ability, then he'd be the perfect sixth man for an all-purpose guard.

My fear is that he puts it all together after a trade.

Maybe the team can rattle off some wins while he heals. It's hard to think of too many Celtics who would be on the trading block other than Marcus. Maybe the trading deadline pressure was part of why he punched the mirror. I know it was apparently a relationship issue, but he's basically without a contract in four months. Baynes hasn't been here for years like Marcus, so maybe it doesn't affect him. Maybe it affected Amir Johnson last year. He had gimpy ankles, I know, but he also seemed to wilt under pressure.

This is Horford's now. He and Kyrie aren't thinking bridge year. I guess maybe just bring Smart back for the rest of the season and playoffs and keep open the door for Marcus Smart. Why give up on him now? He can be clutch like Terry and Kyrie. Smart/Rozier off the bench is a big part of the puncher's chance, of the possibilities for a glass half full Cinderella run. I am very conflicted thinking about Marcus Smart.

by **dboss** Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:13 am

His trade value took a hit with the recent picture frame punching, swiping incident. Now is probably not the time to trade him unless you have given up on him. A strong performance through the rest of the year combined with a solid playoffs may help his value to rise.

At the end of the season he will be a free agent. At that point they may let him walk or they may resign him to an affordable contract or even pursue a sign and trade.

dboss

by **bobheckler** Fri Feb 02, 2018 12:07 pm

The article posted by Sandpd about the Celtics' unique salary situation is relevant here, I believe. It points out that what Danny lacks is "filler salary". We have expensive players (Horford, Hayward, Irving) and cheap players (the highest paid player after those 3 is Jayson Tatum, $5.645M). We don't have any mid-priced talent, say, $10M-$16M. Unless we move one of those expensive 3 players we would have to move several players just to get to a mid-priced talent.

This would suggest to me that Mahcus Smaht will be here past the trade deadline if for no other reason than so that Danny can give him a raise in July, and then trade him and his new, fatter contract (and maybe someone else) for a player of clearly higher quality.

bob

.

by **wideclyde** Fri Feb 02, 2018 12:48 pm

I am upset with Smart's actions that have kept him out of the line up, but not at all upset with his play when he is on the court.

Yes, he is not a great shooter or even a great ball handler, BUT he is the defensive difference maker on the Celtics. He always (when available) gets key minutes in crunch time when a game is on the line for a reason, and that reason is the "it" he brings at the defensive end.

We all seem to believe in Coach Stevens according to what I read on this site and also on other sites. Stevens certainly knows all the stats relating to Smart's shooting issues, but he plays him when the game is on the line despite those stats.

As long as Smart is the key, pace setting defensive force that he has been for his entire professional career he will have a spot in the NBA, and I hope that he spends his career in Celtics green. He is THE player that every team hates to play against, and is a very important leader in Boston.

Relating to his salary for next year, his shooting will limit his yearly money, but he is still worth every penny up to $8-10 M (which is still a hundred percent raise). The market for mid level players is very likely to come back to earth after a couple of years of very careless spending. I predict that there will be no more such contracts for this level of player. Glad that Turner got what he got two years ago, but he would not get even half of what he got then if he were a free agent this summer.

by **bobc33** Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:39 pm

I’m not sure where I saw this as I’m not a stats guy, but I thought advanced metrics showed, however surprisingly, that the Celtics were better offensively with Smart on the court?

by **RosalieTCeltics** Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:47 pm

Clyde....I think I am with you when it comes to Marcus Smart. I know, I absolutely know that he has pulled some really stupid acts in his time here. But........and this is a big but, he is one heck of a defensive ballplayer. I believe had he been available for the Warriors game, the end result would have been different.

The things that he does on the court are mind blowing when it comes to defense. It is his offense that needs the attention. It is a known fact that Stevens loves having a player like Smart available to him at the end of the games.

Unless it is a package that is too good to refuse, my thinking is that Danny will not trade him.
There was mention that Yabusele or Theis plus a pick may be out there for a trade with Memphis. Please don't give up on Theis, he is so much fun to watch grow as a player. I feel he is important to this team.

Monroe huh???? He took the long way home!!

by **dboss** Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:57 pm

wideclyde wrote:I am upset with Smart's actions that have kept him out of the line up, but not at all upset with his play when he is on the court.

Yes, he is not a great shooter or even a great ball handler, BUT he is the defensive difference maker on the Celtics. He always (when available) gets key minutes in crunch time when a game is on the line for a reason, and that reason is the "it" he brings at the defensive end.

We all seem to believe in Coach Stevens according to what I read on this site and also on other sites. Stevens certainly knows all the stats relating to Smart's shooting issues, but he plays him when the game is on the line despite those stats.

As long as Smart is the key, pace setting defensive force that he has been for his entire professional career he will have a spot in the NBA, and I hope that he spends his career in Celtics green. He is THE player that every team hates to play against, and is a very important leader in Boston.

Relating to his salary for next year, his shooting will limit his yearly money, but he is still worth every penny up to $8-10 M (which is still a hundred percent raise). The market for mid level players is very likely to come back to earth after a couple of years of very careless spending. I predict that there will be no more such contracts for this level of player. Glad that Turner got what he got two years ago, but he would not get even half of what he got then if he were a free agent this summer.

Wyde

Celts will not miss Smart when he is gone and neither will the fans.

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:21 pm

dboss wrote:
wideclyde wrote:I am upset with Smart's actions that have kept him out of the line up, but not at all upset with his play when he is on the court.

Yes, he is not a great shooter or even a great ball handler, BUT he is the defensive difference maker on the Celtics. He always (when available) gets key minutes in crunch time when a game is on the line for a reason, and that reason is the "it" he brings at the defensive end.

We all seem to believe in Coach Stevens according to what I read on this site and also on other sites. Stevens certainly knows all the stats relating to Smart's shooting issues, but he plays him when the game is on the line despite those stats.

As long as Smart is the key, pace setting defensive force that he has been for his entire professional career he will have a spot in the NBA, and I hope that he spends his career in Celtics green. He is THE player that every team hates to play against, and is a very important leader in Boston.

Relating to his salary for next year, his shooting will limit his yearly money, but he is still worth every penny up to $8-10 M (which is still a hundred percent raise). The market for mid level players is very likely to come back to earth after a couple of years of very careless spending. I predict that there will be no more such contracts for this level of player. Glad that Turner got what he got two years ago, but he would not get even half of what he got then if he were a free agent this summer.

Wyde

Celts will not miss Smart when he is gone and neither will the fans.

Well I for one will .... if he leaves

Guess I’m not a fan?

Didn’t know you spoke for all of us

beat

by **dboss** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:29 pm

beat wrote:
dboss wrote:
wideclyde wrote:I am upset with Smart's actions that have kept him out of the line up, but not at all upset with his play when he is on the court.

Yes, he is not a great shooter or even a great ball handler, BUT he is the defensive difference maker on the Celtics. He always (when available) gets key minutes in crunch time when a game is on the line for a reason, and that reason is the "it" he brings at the defensive end.

We all seem to believe in Coach Stevens according to what I read on this site and also on other sites. Stevens certainly knows all the stats relating to Smart's shooting issues, but he plays him when the game is on the line despite those stats.

As long as Smart is the key, pace setting defensive force that he has been for his entire professional career he will have a spot in the NBA, and I hope that he spends his career in Celtics green. He is THE player that every team hates to play against, and is a very important leader in Boston.

Relating to his salary for next year, his shooting will limit his yearly money, but he is still worth every penny up to $8-10 M (which is still a hundred percent raise). The market for mid level players is very likely to come back to earth after a couple of years of very careless spending. I predict that there will be no more such contracts for this level of player. Glad that Turner got what he got two years ago, but he would not get even half of what he got then if he were a free agent this summer.

Wyde

Celts will not miss Smart when he is gone and neither will the fans.
Well I for one will .... if he leaves

Guess I’m not a fan?

Didn’t know you spoke for all of us

beat

Beat to put my statement in context. Give me a list of former Celtics players that were not retained and tell me who you miss? Guys move on and The Celtics remain. I guarantee you will not lament over Smart when the Celtics host #18 to the rafters.

by **RosalieTCeltics** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:31 pm

I guess I addressed my remarks to the wrong post.

Beat, I get frustrated with antics but I will tell you I do not relish the day Marcus Smart plays against the Celtics. I love defense, period. As mad as I get at all the missed shots, bad decisions, crazy turnovers, this guy loves basketball. Don't know where this leads, as we do not know any of the thoughts in Danny or Brad's heads

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:48 pm

Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:53 pm

RosalieTCeltics wrote:I guess I addressed my remarks to the wrong post.

Beat, I get frustrated with antics but I will tell you I do not relish the day Marcus Smart plays against the Celtics. I love defense, period. As mad as I get at all the missed shots, bad decisions, crazy turnovers, this guy loves basketball. Don't know where this leads, as we do not know any of the thoughts in Danny or Brad's heads

I totally agree

He would be a wrecking ball against us.
There’s a reason he’s here are he serves that function pretty well.

I can only hope he stays but obviously we have no control over that.

beat

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:54 pm

beat wrote:
RosalieTCeltics wrote:I guess I addressed my remarks to the wrong post.

Beat, I get frustrated with antics but I will tell you I do not relish the day Marcus Smart plays against the Celtics. I love defense, period. As mad as I get at all the missed shots, bad decisions, crazy turnovers, this guy loves basketball. Don't know where this leads, as we do not know any of the thoughts in Danny or Brad's heads
I totally agree

He would be a wrecking ball against us.
There’s a reason he’s here and he serves that function pretty well.

I can only hope he stays but obviously we have no control over that.

beat

by **RosalieTCeltics** Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:59 pm

I can go further back...........K C JONES......certainly not a great shooter, probably would have been worse if the three point line was in effect back then. But a defensive specialist. You can pick names from each generation. I just would like to see him stay, but who knows what the future brings. When he rips that ball out of an opposing players hands and we end up with a layup, how many people are saying "get rid of him"!!!!

we all have our thoughts on certain players, each to his own opinion. That does not change the fact that we all love the Celtics

by **Phil Pressey** Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:00 pm

Rozier taking a leap in real time could be developing. That would take pressure off of Smart on offense, as Marcus and Avery made it easier for Isaiah on the other end.

I had noticed the stats were in Smart's favor, but they were for Olynyk and only a few were in his corner.

I like the whole team. I would miss Marcus Smart especially if he's just been going through personal drama and is soon to become a top twenty-five player.

Theis is a keeper. Anyone doing his job without hurting the budget is going nowhere, or at least not intentionally.

Smart is interesting. His pg stats became way off and that's when I started going after his offense.

Baynes might need some basketball counseling.

This season has become pure fun. Danny got Monroe. I agree with Bob H. the Celtics have become a destination. The C's will become a primary destination for ring chasers and guys who just want to be in a nice spot and check it out.

Boston is back. Give them 10% odds. That sounds fair, maybe 20%. But there are usually unforeseen events. Just days ago it was a full team getting over London culture shock. Then bing, bang, boom, down goes Kyrie, Smart, Larkin, Morris.

I'd say watch out for Jaylen Brown as a point guard. He seems to have won the next man up role. Kadeem Allen might get a run. Tatum needs to follow veteran leads and not try too much- stay within his game.

Smart will come back, Monroe will fit in, maybe they will go on another huge winning streak and seal 60 wins. That to me is the key number. 60 wins has to still mean something. But I'll take great health for the playoffs for less wins. I'd play Marcus Smart big minutes. There's no one better than him to try. Nader ain't gonna get it done. Evans might.

So my only fear is if he explodes as a great player after leaving Boston as did Billups. No matter what, the team is looking good for as long as this can be milked. Let's see if Monroe is the new PJ Brown or maybe he'll end up with a bigger role. This guy ain't no ten day scrub. Tatum can play more small forward, relax, slow the game for him. Meanwhile, keep feeding the Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier horses.

Get well, Marcus Smart. Nothing personal.

by **Sandpd** Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:33 pm

beat wrote:Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat

+1

I like what Smart brings to the court. in each and every game he gives it his all, no holding back - that's a lot more than I can say for a lot of other players. His offensive deficiencies aside his defense is top shelf. Defense is mostly determination, effort, and the willingness to sacrifice your body - Smart is all that.

Another player to add to the list - Danny Ainge, although some will disagree, he was a pretty effective 2-way guard IMHO.

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:38 pm

Sand

Hated when Ainge left. For Kline and Pinkney if I remember correctly.
He’d scrap with anyone. Remember one of the best headlines ever....TREE BITES MAN.

Thank goodness he couldn’t hit a curveball.

beat

by **Sandpd** Fri Feb 02, 2018 7:29 pm

That was a great take-down tackle by Ainge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VlM1h5vwyY

by **gyso** Fri Feb 02, 2018 7:52 pm

beat wrote:Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat

+1

by **dboss** Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:02 pm

beat wrote:Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat

I have moved on from every player that used to play for Celtics. It is not actually about Smart. I do by the way like Smart but not as much as you do. And even if I liked him more when he goes he goes and I will not miss him.

by **beat** Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:06 pm

dboss wrote:
beat wrote:Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat
I have moved on from every player that used to play for Celtics. It is not actually about Smart. I do by the way like Smart but not as much as you do. And even if I liked him more when he goes he goes and I will not miss him.

You said all fans before.

Again you are wrong about this fan.

beat

by **dboss** Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:10 pm

beat wrote:
dboss wrote:
beat wrote:Where do you want me to start?

Cowens
Jo jo
Chaney
Parish
Maxwell
Pierce
Garnett
Perk
Rondo

Want more?
I like the guy you don’t. That’s fine but I can speak only for myself.

beat
I have moved on from every player that used to play for Celtics. It is not actually about Smart. I do by the way like Smart but not as much as you do. And even if I liked him more when he goes he goes and I will not miss him.
You said all fans before.

Again you are wrong about this fan.

beat

Get it right. I did not say all fans. I said fans. I know you will not miss him. Good.

Dboss

by **worcester** Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:55 am

Ironically, TRo exploding these past two games may boost his trade value to the point we trade him and Keep Marcus. Terry has insisted he wants to be a starter, and I can't see that happening over Kyrie or Jalen.

by **worcester** Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:20 am

Try this Marcus:

https://www.tuffskinprotection.com/

It may have been Roberto Duran's secret weapon.

by **Sandpd** Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:34 am

worcester wrote:Try this Marcus:

https://www.tuffskinprotection.com/

It may have been Roberto Duran's secret weapon.

My web browser advisor gave me a warning about going to that site affraid

so I didn't, but LOL anyway.

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