In a drastic turn of events, the NBA’s offseason trade festivities saw the Boston Celtics part ways with their former Defensive Player of the Year and point guard: Marcus Smart. Smart, (who’s hustle and effort on the floor made him an integral part of the C’s team that hit the finals just a year ago) had become a mainstay in Celtic’s lore, being the team leader in points and assists during his 9 year tenure. All of that obviously came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday, with Smart being the main piece of a trade package dealt to bring in Kristaps Porzingis.
The same fans who constantly harped on Smart’s shortcomings now appeared devastated, sharing tributes and memories related to his name. Where this love was when he was actually on the team is a worthwhile question, but better late than never.
What’s for sure though, is that Boston is definitely going to miss Marcus Smart.
What trading Marcus Smart REALLY means for the Boston Celtics
Smart’s impact
In today’s league, it’s rare to come across such a player. Most hoopers are typically focused on getting the most money (rightfully so), and winning gets blurred out of focus. That’s what separated Marcus Smart from those around him.
Whether it was playing defense, diving for loose balls, playmaking on offense, or morale boosts, Smart embodied Celtic’s basketball. Sure he’d miss the occasional forced shot or commit some bad turnovers, but so does everyone else. When it came down to it though, Smart always showed up and was ready to compete. A quality that the Celtics otherwise lacked in most of last season, and will have to to replace moving forward.
In addition to his contributions on the parquet, Smart himself always held the city itself to a high regard. Whether it was interactions with fans, working with local charities, visiting neighborhood hospitals, or hosting summer camps and basketball events in the vicinity, the young game changer did his part to integrate himself into the community. All of which helped create the ideology that he’d be here for a while, and retire a Boston Celtic. It seemed fitting that even post his prime, Marcus would remain on the sidelines motivating his teammates similar to Miami’s Udonis Haslem. Unfortunately, that’s no longer in the cards after this weeks transaction.
Looking ahead for Boston
Where the Celtics go from here though, is an interesting question. There’s no doubt that Porzingis is a positive acquisition for Boston, and provides the offense that Boston needs. If health permits, KP joining Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown gives the Celtics their best big 3 since 2008. Don’t get too excited though, the roster is not complete yet. Adding Jordan Walsh and an alarming amount of 2nd round picks on draft night is definitely something, but it’s not what’s going to help Boston break their championship drought. The future picks are best being packaged alongside someone such as Malcolm Brodgon, Sam Hauser, or Grant Williams in a deal to acquire someone who can contribute right NOW. The Celtics also have around $5 million in cap space available for a veteran’s minimum signing, which would be fitting for free agents such as Pat Beverly or Seth Curry.
This is where Boston general manager Brad Stevens is to take action. The Celtics are often reluctant to swap out bench players, rather opting for the same second and third units yearly. This results in the C’s having an extremely outmatched bench come playoff time, and is exposed unsurprisingly quick.
The next step for Boston
Now that Stevens has shown willingness to do away with key pieces, it would be wrong for him to stop here. The Celtics are clearly in win-now mode, and are lucky enough to have a core of players all under 30 to help that process. It would be in their best interest to take advantage of this ASAP, and eliminate every weak link on the depth chart. Being too picky on which free agents to add (as Boston constantly is), could cost the city the best shot at a championship in years. So, it’s important that the front office addresses this need immediately.
If the Celtics are able to pull this off, the roster will certainly be the best it’s been in years. Sure, it’s going to be weird watching Marcus Smart not be present for the raising of banner 18. Something that he definitely played a pivotal part in, whether he’s currently on the team or not.
Smart’s fit on the Grizzlies
If it makes anyone feel better though, fans can rejoice in knowing that It’s not all bad for Smart. He now finds himself on another championship contender in the Grizzlies. Memphis currently is in dire use of his needs. Smart would assimilate seamlessly into a team culture built upon defense, with fellow DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. in tow. Smart will prove to be a solid backcourt replacement for Dillon Brooks as well, complementing Ja Morant quite effectively. Thus, both Smart and the Celtics will find themselves well positioned in their new paths after all the smoke clears. Obviously it would have been better together, but sometimes that’s just not how it goes. Nonetheless, wherever Marcus Smart plays, his past impact gets appreciation and respect by the city of Boston.
