The Boston Celtics have officially signed 2014 first-round draft picks Marcus Smart and James Young.
Marcus Smart, the 6’4 point guard out of Oklahoma State, was taken 6th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. As the 6th pick, Smart is set to make $3.283 million during his rookie season. By NBA rules, Smart’s deal will run through the next five seasons, with the ability to sign a rookie extension following the third season.
With his size and strength, the Celtics are banking on Smart to either being the point guard of the future if they choose to trade Rajon Rondo, or the shooting guard along Rondo in a dual-point guard lineup similar to what the Phoenix Suns ran last season.
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Participating in the Orlando Summer League, Marcus Smart is averaging 13.5 points on 28 percent shooting along with 4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. While he’s struggling with his jump shot, as many expect, Smart is finding other ways to impact the game while displaying all the traits (strength, defense, playmaking) that made him a lottery pick in a loaded draft.
The Celtics have also signed their other first-round pick inJames Young.
Out of Kentucky, the 17th overall pick is set to make $1.674 million during his rookie season. Like Smart, Young’s deal will run through five years, with the ability to extend following year three.
The acquisition of Young allows the Celtics to bolster up a wing unit. While playing in the NCAA, Young displayed a knack for creating on his own from the perimeter. In his lone season at the University of Kentucky, Young averaged 14.3 points on 40 percent shooting (34 percent from three).
Due to a car accident, Young hasn’t appeared in any Summer League games.