It’s almost impossible to accurately quantify all the ways Marcus Smart makes the Boston Celtics a better team.
Sometimes that can be read as a dilemma—especially for someone drafted sixth overall by a franchise that can’t afford to miss on any of the prospects it targets—but it’s also not to say Smart isn’t valuable or even already a really good NBA player.
The numbers don’t glow—he’s averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, with atrocious 35.9/29.4/55.2 shooting splits—but Smart oozes positive production (both subtle and obvious) that’s noticed by those who watch him closely.
“There aren’t a lot of guys his age that have impacted winning the way he has,” Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said after Tuesday’s practice. “Maybe not from a statistical standpoint, but more so from: You can feel it when he’s on the court. You ask anybody in here and they all know Marcus’ value.”
