Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA
By Connor Learn
Marcus Smart
,
Bill Simmons sums up how many Celtics fans feel about Marcus Smart:
Im glad Marcus Smart had one of his A-games on TNT last night - he's such a unique asset, I've never watched a guard quite like him.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 10, 2017
When Smart plays basketball, he plays all out. His 10.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds don’t jump off of the page, but he is valuable because of the intangibles that he brings to the game. Smart plays defense at a very high level, which is impressive considering he just turned 23 years old. He also brings the Celtics’ energy up on the floor, makes plays that most couldn’t or wouldn’t, and brings an edge to Boston. His value is hard to quantify, but becomes apparent when watching Smart play.
Smart ranks 11th in the league for point guards in ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus-Minus. He is a factor in Boston’s defense being as successful as it is despite playing Isaiah Thomas heavy minutes. With his defensive abilities as a strong and quick 6-foot-4, 220 pound guard, Smart will make All-Defensive teams for years to come. He will likely garner votes this season already.
There is room for improvement for Smart on the offensive end of the floor. The Celtics offense sometimes struggles with him at the helm instead of Thomas, and his shot selection often irks Celtics fans. He will improve as a facilitator and scorer as he matures, as those are currently the biggest flaws in his game as a point guard. If he doesn’t do so, he may end up having a Tony Allen like career, which is nothing to scoff at. But overall, Smart is a big factor in the Celtics currently being in second place in the Eastern Conference and is one of the NBA’s most promising young guards.