[valentine]

 I know what you’re thinking, another troll post by the Celtics’ troll/draft guru.

But what makes me a draft guru is my talent evaluation skills, and Smart is absolutely getting slept on by all of you guys, Celtics fans included. 

Everybody keeps saying the Celtics have no stars, the Celtics have no stars.

As if we didn’t draft the probable 2013 #1 or #2 pick, in 2014, after he returned to school for his sophomore year.

Nobody in the world noticed it, but Marcus Smart was as good of a defender as DPOY Kawhi Leonard in the second half of the season. Stats and andvanced stats back this up.

The first half of the season Smart played very good defense, but he was still learning some of the nuances related to rules, players, and everything else about playing in a new league.

The Celtics only had one national TV game, so nobody really got an extended look at Smart besides Celtics fans. And most Celtics fans were pro-tank, and low on Smart because he wasn’t a top 5 pick. He was the 6th pick, which is inexcusable.

So the only way NBA fans would have heard about Smart’s elite defense is from Celtics fans, but they’re mostly spoiled Big 3 era joiners, who thought Rajon Rondo was the only good player on the Celtics.

Well, I’m here to tell you now that Smart’s defense is DPOY level. Smart is way better than Kawhi at drawing charges and all kinds of offensive fouls. Guys just lose their composure around him. Every time somebody sets a screen on Smart, they know he’s going to power through it, around it, over it, under it, whatever it takes.

So guys resort to moving screens, or pushes, or otherwise losing their cool in the face of defensive dominance.

Kawhi had more steals than Smart, but if you add up steals PLUS offensive fouls drawn, Smart actually forced more turnovers per 36 minutes than Leonard.

But here’s the even crazier thing: Smart played all season with the same severe high ankle sprain that ended Ricky Rubio’s season. Smart toughed it out, and played at an All Defense/DPOY level. As an injured rookie.

Smart’s ankle was finally healed a couple weeks before summer league started. The explosion that Smart used to dominate the NCAA on both sides of the court for two years has returned, and Smart is poised to absolutely crush people’s low expectations for his season/career.

If Kawhi scored 20 ppg, people would be talking about him as an MVP candidate. Guys like Smart and Kawhi can be as good as anybody by being defensively dominant and offensively less than completely dominant. Just like guys like Curry and Harden can win MVP awards without being dominant defensively.

Smart can and will play as well this year as Kawhi did last year, whether or not he is awarded the DPOY award. Offensively, his explosion has returned, and he will be attacking the rim and drawing fouls much more aggressively and effectively than he was able to do last season. 

There’s a lot of James Harden in a healthy Marcus Smart, just as their college stats including FT attempts per game were nearly identical.

Smart is no longer required to be a full time point guard, and his best position is actually shooting guard. He’s already an average NBA 3 point shooter, while hoisting tons of attempts. Nobody saw that coming heading into his rookie season. Well, except for a couple people;). 

Part of the reason Smart hasn’t received his due credit is because of the fan-shoving incident at OKC. It turned a lot of people off. Smart may have the respect of the NBA refs already, but ESPN/Grantland have left Smart off their Future Star lists, and the lemmings around here follow that lead.

Chauncy Billups wasn’t a star until his Pistons started kicking azz and taking names. Same with Scottie Pippen, and a lot of other all time greats, like Joe Dumars.

If you want to get right with history, you’ll jump on the Marcus Smart bandwagon.

Because once he breaks out, it’s going to seem like the most obvious development ever, and everybody will pretend they didn’t regard him as an inferior talent to guys like Jabari Parker and D’Angelo freaking Russell.

Don’t be that guy, the one who never saw Marcus Smart breaking out as an NBA sophomore.

 

Marcus Smart Full 2015 Summer League Highlights – 16 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.4 SPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

 

 

 

[llperez]

 based on all the hype you have given pretty much everyone on the celtics roster, they should win about 55 games this year. And by end of season, jordan clarkson will unanimously be considered better then smart just like he was as a rookie.

[llperez]

 based on all the hype you have given pretty much everyone on the celtics roster, they should win about 55 games this year. And by end of season, jordan clarkson will unanimously be considered better then smart just like he was as a rookie.

[phreshprinceParticipant]

 http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/18/2014-15-nba-all-rookie-team/

[phreshprinceParticipant]

 http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/18/2014-15-nba-all-rookie-team/

[Andrew1984Participant]

 I’m a huge fan of both Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge, and I really wanted to like their draft pick, but I just can’t really get on board with Marcus Smart. He reminds me of the guard version of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Athleticism: check. Competitiveness: Check. Physicality/tenacity: check. Team-first, self-sacrifice attitude: check. Defense: check.

But what’s missing is skill and refinement. 

The characteristics that I listed in the first paragraph are enough to carve out a role in the NBA, but that’s about it. When I watch Marcus Smart, I don’t see a great shooter, a great ball-handler, or a great passer. Those are the three major areas of skill in basketball, and I don’t see him ever surpassing average in any of them. 

And James Harden? I think he’s more like Pat Beverley than he is like James Harden.

 

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 I’m a huge fan of both Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge, and I really wanted to like their draft pick, but I just can’t really get on board with Marcus Smart. He reminds me of the guard version of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Athleticism: check. Competitiveness: Check. Physicality/tenacity: check. Team-first, self-sacrifice attitude: check. Defense: check.

But what’s missing is skill and refinement. 

The characteristics that I listed in the first paragraph are enough to carve out a role in the NBA, but that’s about it. When I watch Marcus Smart, I don’t see a great shooter, a great ball-handler, or a great passer. Those are the three major areas of skill in basketball, and I don’t see him ever surpassing average in any of them. 

And James Harden? I think he’s more like Pat Beverley than he is like James Harden.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 For a shooting guard Smart’s ball handling and passing are already above average. You just didn’t get a chance to watch him, or the summer league highlights linked above.

Even when healthy like in the above video clip, Smart still doesn’t have quite the first step that Harden has, nor does he have the exact same hops, but the comparison is closer than you realize.

And Smart’s defense is already miles ahead of Harden’s.

The Celtics have IT4, Evan Turner, and Terry Rozier for point guards, so Smart doesn’t need to have point guard level ball handling. And his passing and poise is way better than you seem to be aware. As soon as Smart entered the starting lineup after the Rondo trade, the Celtics’ season turned around.

Smart is a top-notch leader too, even as a rookie.

And he shot 34-35% from 3 as a rookie who supposedly had ZERO outside shot.

Impressive stuff.

Smart still has improvements to make in his shot selection, but so does Russell Westbrook, and perhaps even Harden.

 

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 Did you seriously just defend a point by saying, "haven’t you watched the summer league?!"

[Andrew1984Participant]

 Did you seriously just defend a point by saying, "haven’t you watched the summer league?!"

[T Rex]

 For a shooting guard Smart’s ball handling and passing are already above average. You just didn’t get a chance to watch him, or the summer league highlights linked above.

Even when healthy like in the above video clip, Smart still doesn’t have quite the first step that Harden has, nor does he have the exact same hops, but the comparison is closer than you realize.

And Smart’s defense is already miles ahead of Harden’s.

The Celtics have IT4, Evan Turner, and Terry Rozier for point guards, so Smart doesn’t need to have point guard level ball handling. And his passing and poise is way better than you seem to be aware. As soon as Smart entered the starting lineup after the Rondo trade, the Celtics’ season turned around.

Smart is a top-notch leader too, even as a rookie.

And he shot 34-35% from 3 as a rookie who supposedly had ZERO outside shot.

Impressive stuff.

Smart still has improvements to make in his shot selection, but so does Russell Westbrook, and perhaps even Harden.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Nobody considered Kawhi Leonard a star until he went toe to toe with LeBron in the Finals a couple years ago. Defensive stars often require playoff success to secure "star" status from the basketball world, especially perimeter players.

For some reason, perimeter defense is highly underrated by NBA fans and BSPN, who prefer the aesthetics of a blocked shot by a big to the less photogenic Grindfather style defense of the best perimeter defenders.

And when NBA fans and BSPN finally do take a liking to a perimeter defender, it’s almost always the guy who leads the league in steals, like Kawhi Leonard or Rajon "Turnstyle" Rondo.

Because the great defense by NBA Steal Leaders can be confirmed without actually watching the games.

One quick look at the nba statistical leaderboard for steals tells them all they need, and want, to know about perimeter defense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Nobody considered Kawhi Leonard a star until he went toe to toe with LeBron in the Finals a couple years ago. Defensive stars often require playoff success to secure "star" status from the basketball world, especially perimeter players.

For some reason, perimeter defense is highly underrated by NBA fans and BSPN, who prefer the aesthetics of a blocked shot by a big to the less photogenic Grindfather style defense of the best perimeter defenders.

And when NBA fans and BSPN finally do take a liking to a perimeter defender, it’s almost always the guy who leads the league in steals, like Kawhi Leonard or Rajon "Turnstyle" Rondo.

Because the great defense by NBA Steal Leaders can be confirmed without actually watching the games.

One quick look at the nba statistical leaderboard for steals tells them all they need, and want, to know about perimeter defense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 669 views and only one neg!

that’s domination right there.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 669 views and only one neg!

that’s domination right there.

 

 

 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Was bad and shot selection too in this past summer L. His numbers looked good but to me were deceptive because he shot and had the ball a lot. He did not look great running the O due to the bad shot selection. I hope I am wrong as a Celtics fan, but he will have to show me he can improve his shot selection. I also dont see him blowing past the better quicker defenders he will see when the regular season starts.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Was bad and shot selection too in this past summer L. His numbers looked good but to me were deceptive because he shot and had the ball a lot. He did not look great running the O due to the bad shot selection. I hope I am wrong as a Celtics fan, but he will have to show me he can improve his shot selection. I also dont see him blowing past the better quicker defenders he will see when the regular season starts.

[DolanCareParticipant]

The fate of Marcus Smart is contingent on how tight he can get his jumper. When he was drafted, I thought he was doomed to have a mediocre yet over zealous jump shot. But he surprised me last year as he steadily improved as the season progressed ultimately ending with .335% from the arc. IMO, mediocre for a point guard. 

If he can be a reliable spot of shooter, he leaves the world of Tony Allen and heads towards being a top point guard in the league. With a jumper, which offers improved offensive versatility, it won’t mattter if his play making progresses or not. His rare defensive gifts are that much of a difference maker. 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 After December, Smart’s 3 point shooting was even higher, something like 36-37%, all while taking a lot of them, which usually drives a players % down. Especially a rookie with a "zero jumpshot".

What the doubters never looked at was Smart’s FT% in college, which was both high, and came despite 7-8 FTAs a game, which is a lot.

Then, in college, he would go through streaks of making like 6 three pointers in a game, or go 4-5 from 3.

It was obvious to astute basketball minds like myself that Smart had clear shooting ability.

People don’t understand that bad shot selection is different from "broken jump shot".

The same thing happened with Terry Rozier this year, with people thinking of him as a borderline first round pick at best, and declaring that he too had a broken jump shot, because he shot 30% from 3.

Ironically, RJ Hunter also shot 30% from 3, but everybody accepted that he was one of the best shooters in the draft.

While RJ Hunter’s 89% FT%, and 40% 3 point % the previous year indicated great shooting ability, 

Rozier’s 79-80% FT% did nothing to sway his doubters, nor did his 37% 3pt% the previous year, when his shot selection was much better.

I’m not comparing Rozier to Hunter as a shooter, but Rozier clearly has shooting ability or he wouldn’t have shot 79-80% from the FT line, on high attempts, nor would he have shot 37% from 3 the year before.

Meanwhile, Mudiay shoots in the 50s from FTL, and D’Angelo Russell shoots about 70%.

But somehow those two were clearly better prospects, not just overall but as outside shooters.

Whatever, homies.

Sincerely, 

DJ Cool Doggg

 

 

[Rip255]

Nice work DJ Cool Dogg.

Smart is a rabid dog. If he can harness his madness he could be the kinda guy who can hold his own on offense…and give you the edge on defense.

But hes kinda crazy. He jacks up bad shots and makes bonehead decisions.

Fun to watch though

 

 

 

[Rip255]

Nice work DJ Cool Dogg.

Smart is a rabid dog. If he can harness his madness he could be the kinda guy who can hold his own on offense…and give you the edge on defense.

But hes kinda crazy. He jacks up bad shots and makes bonehead decisions.

Fun to watch though

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Russell shot 75.6% from the free throw line… If that’s around 70% like you state, we can instead say that it’s around 80%. Normally I would say he shot 75% though…. I wouldn’t just make shit up to help your bogus argument on Marcus Smart being the next James Harden Lol….. Get real.  

Unless of course you are referring to his shooting % in summer league?  Which I know you aren’t even stupid enough to deduce that as his expected free throw %.  

Celtics don’t have a player that can be a top 3 player on a championship team.  They have agreat coach which makes their team better.  If you’re banking on Evan Turner being one of "your" guys then Lol.  6th – 8th seed will be a victory for them.

Yea queue up your "ohhhh but the last 20 games of the season post all star break yadayadayada." 

You’re a joke.  You’re scouting is dog shit.  Sometes I think you are Bill Simmons but being the homerest of the homers is just the way Boston fans roll.

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Russell shot 75.6% from the free throw line… If that’s around 70% like you state, we can instead say that it’s around 80%. Normally I would say he shot 75% though…. I wouldn’t just make shit up to help your bogus argument on Marcus Smart being the next James Harden Lol….. Get real.  

Unless of course you are referring to his shooting % in summer league?  Which I know you aren’t even stupid enough to deduce that as his expected free throw %.  

Celtics don’t have a player that can be a top 3 player on a championship team.  They have agreat coach which makes their team better.  If you’re banking on Evan Turner being one of "your" guys then Lol.  6th – 8th seed will be a victory for them.

Yea queue up your "ohhhh but the last 20 games of the season post all star break yadayadayada." 

You’re a joke.  You’re scouting is dog shit.  Sometes I think you are Bill Simmons but being the homerest of the homers is just the way Boston fans roll.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

"Celtics don’t have a player that can be a top 3 player on a championship team. They have agreat coach which makes their team better."

Say it enough times and maybe it might come true, like D’Angelo Russell not being an obvious bust of a #2 pick.

 

[T Rex]

"Celtics don’t have a player that can be a top 3 player on a championship team. They have agreat coach which makes their team better."

Say it enough times and maybe it might come true, like D’Angelo Russell not being an obvious bust of a #2 pick.

 

[Rip255]

 I love it when people get hyper-defensive and resort to insults when you challenge their conventional wisdom. 

It means that you’re right…but they hate you for it because you touched a nerve.

I’ve been called cocky, arrogant, asanine, stupid, chauvanistic (could go on)…and in every case…I knew I was on the money. 

I think you’re in their heads dude. 

 

 

 

[Rip255]

 I love it when people get hyper-defensive and resort to insults when you challenge their conventional wisdom. 

It means that you’re right…but they hate you for it because you touched a nerve.

I’ve been called cocky, arrogant, asanine, stupid, chauvanistic (could go on)…and in every case…I knew I was on the money. 

I think you’re in their heads dude. 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 After December, Smart’s 3 point shooting was even higher, something like 36-37%, all while taking a lot of them, which usually drives a players % down. Especially a rookie with a "zero jumpshot".

What the doubters never looked at was Smart’s FT% in college, which was both high, and came despite 7-8 FTAs a game, which is a lot.

Then, in college, he would go through streaks of making like 6 three pointers in a game, or go 4-5 from 3.

It was obvious to astute basketball minds like myself that Smart had clear shooting ability.

People don’t understand that bad shot selection is different from "broken jump shot".

The same thing happened with Terry Rozier this year, with people thinking of him as a borderline first round pick at best, and declaring that he too had a broken jump shot, because he shot 30% from 3.

Ironically, RJ Hunter also shot 30% from 3, but everybody accepted that he was one of the best shooters in the draft.

While RJ Hunter’s 89% FT%, and 40% 3 point % the previous year indicated great shooting ability, 

Rozier’s 79-80% FT% did nothing to sway his doubters, nor did his 37% 3pt% the previous year, when his shot selection was much better.

I’m not comparing Rozier to Hunter as a shooter, but Rozier clearly has shooting ability or he wouldn’t have shot 79-80% from the FT line, on high attempts, nor would he have shot 37% from 3 the year before.

Meanwhile, Mudiay shoots in the 50s from FTL, and D’Angelo Russell shoots about 70%.

But somehow those two were clearly better prospects, not just overall but as outside shooters.

Whatever, homies.

Sincerely, 

DJ Cool Doggg

 

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

The fate of Marcus Smart is contingent on how tight he can get his jumper. When he was drafted, I thought he was doomed to have a mediocre yet over zealous jump shot. But he surprised me last year as he steadily improved as the season progressed ultimately ending with .335% from the arc. IMO, mediocre for a point guard. 

If he can be a reliable spot of shooter, he leaves the world of Tony Allen and heads towards being a top point guard in the league. With a jumper, which offers improved offensive versatility, it won’t mattter if his play making progresses or not. His rare defensive gifts are that much of a difference maker. 

 

 

 

 

[oc1234Participant]

 I question your self-proclaimed "draft guru" status if you believe Marcus Smart’s game resembles James Harden’s at all. You can’t list their freethrow attempts per game in college and use it as a basis for comparison of Harden and Smart. You can’t list defensive stats of Smart then compare him to James Harden because Harden is notoriously known as a liability on the defensive side of the ball.

 

 I am a Celtics fan and would love to see Smart become the next superstar for the our team, but I just don’t see it. I am not sure whether you are a Celtic fan, but I’ve read Celtics fans/ Smart fans like you that rave about Smart as this up and coming superstar and 2 way star. The problem with your argument is that it completely lacks evidence of Smart becoming anything beyond an average offensive player. You didn’t give me one offensive statistic that gave me any hope of Smart becoming a legitimate go-to offensive weapon besides your claim that you where a scouting guru that could just tell. I don’t discount the fact that Smart could become an elite defensive player, but nobody here is going to tell me you can build around a Tony Allen or a Bruce Bowen type player. 

Of course players like Jimmy Butler have made huge jumps after 2 very average offensive seasons before, but very seldom does it usually happen like that on a consistent basis. 

So once you can form an argument based completely on stats proving to me that Smart has plenty of promise to improve from his first year, I will not buy into it because I just don’t see him as that special of a player. And when I say that special of a player I mean a superstar or franchise building block and for that matter even a star. 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 You call yourself a Celtics fan, but you’re still oblivious to the fact that Smart is ALREADY elite defensively.

You just say he has defensive "potential".

Classic tanker-style ignoring of the obvious.

I was comparing a healthy Smart’s offensive style to Harden’s, not his defense, buddy.

And in the next paragraph I stated that guys like Kawhi and Smart can be elite players overall without dominating completely offensively.

You are apparently not impressed by Smart shooting 34% from 3 as a rookie, despite every talking head and Rondo-loving Celtics fan believing Smart had a terrible outside shot.

It just doesn’t register for you, just like Smart’s elite defense didn’t register at all.

Probably because you were bitter that the Celtics didn’t tank after trading stat-padding superstar Rondo.

You couldn’t handle the concept that this rookie was already better than Rondo, pretty much from day one.

You say there’s no evidence that Smart can be an above average offensive player, but even most people here will tell you that’s absurd.

Smart dominated college basketball on both sides of the ball for two years. And even though Smart was a unanimous top 2 pick in 2013, before returning to school, you still tell yourself that Smart doesn’t have any offensive potential.

You being miserable, and refusing to see the obvious, is a choice.

Smart was the best attacking guard in college basketball, pretty much two years straight. His ability to attack the rim off the dribble, draw fouls, finish, and hit his free throws, all while being a solid floor general, went right over your head.

Just like Smart’s clutch 4th quarter shooting went right over your head last year, or his 36-37% 3 point shooting after December.

Just like Marcus Smart’s severe ankle sprain that he played through all year went right over your head. You just told yourself he was healthy, and that his inability to explode off the dribble was permanent.

Just like healthy Marcus Smart’s vastly improved quickness and explosion in summer league last moth went right over your head. You didn’t notice it because it was against Summer league competition, so you just toled yourself Smart was still slow.

You cling to the rigid idea that Smart is a point guard, period, so your head explodes when I compare his offensive game to Harden’s. Because Harden is a shooting guard, for starters.

Smart was second in the entire NBA in drawing offensive fouls last year, as a rookie. That savvy will translate to drawing defensive fouls in the lane, now that Smart’s ankle is healthy.

Smart and Harden are about the same height, about the same weight, and their bread and butter offensively is attacking the rim and drawing fouls. It’s just that Smart injured his ankle in November, so you never got to see that aspect of his game. And you obviously didn’t watch Smart in college, or you would already know that Smart is a bulldog in attacking the rim, and obviously has above average offensive potential.

As a shooting guard, a concept you haven’t wrapped your mind around yet, Smart already has above average ball handling, passing, decision making, way way above average strength, All Defense level defense, an average 3 point shot, and way above average 4th quater/clutch scoring ability. And I didn’t even mention his leadership.

Keep calling yourself a Celtics fan, but start showing the humility of a recovering tanker.

If Smart can be a poor man’s James Harden offensively, which he can and will be, he can be one of the most valuable players in the league, sooner rather than later. Because of his defense.

Smart’s been a better player than Tony Allen probably since his freshman year at OK State, and writing Smart off as Tony Allen just shows you don’t actually watch the games. Or if you did, you were only hoping to lose them and tank.

Even 90% of people here will tell you that, and they don’t claim to be Celtics fans like you do.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 You call yourself a Celtics fan, but you’re still oblivious to the fact that Smart is ALREADY elite defensively.

You just say he has defensive "potential".

Classic tanker-style ignoring of the obvious.

I was comparing a healthy Smart’s offensive style to Harden’s, not his defense, buddy.

And in the next paragraph I stated that guys like Kawhi and Smart can be elite players overall without dominating completely offensively.

You are apparently not impressed by Smart shooting 34% from 3 as a rookie, despite every talking head and Rondo-loving Celtics fan believing Smart had a terrible outside shot.

It just doesn’t register for you, just like Smart’s elite defense didn’t register at all.

Probably because you were bitter that the Celtics didn’t tank after trading stat-padding superstar Rondo.

You couldn’t handle the concept that this rookie was already better than Rondo, pretty much from day one.

You say there’s no evidence that Smart can be an above average offensive player, but even most people here will tell you that’s absurd.

Smart dominated college basketball on both sides of the ball for two years. And even though Smart was a unanimous top 2 pick in 2013, before returning to school, you still tell yourself that Smart doesn’t have any offensive potential.

You being miserable, and refusing to see the obvious, is a choice.

Smart was the best attacking guard in college basketball, pretty much two years straight. His ability to attack the rim off the dribble, draw fouls, finish, and hit his free throws, all while being a solid floor general, went right over your head.

Just like Smart’s clutch 4th quarter shooting went right over your head last year, or his 36-37% 3 point shooting after December.

Just like Marcus Smart’s severe ankle sprain that he played through all year went right over your head. You just told yourself he was healthy, and that his inability to explode off the dribble was permanent.

Just like healthy Marcus Smart’s vastly improved quickness and explosion in summer league last moth went right over your head. You didn’t notice it because it was against Summer league competition, so you just toled yourself Smart was still slow.

You cling to the rigid idea that Smart is a point guard, period, so your head explodes when I compare his offensive game to Harden’s. Because Harden is a shooting guard, for starters.

Smart was second in the entire NBA in drawing offensive fouls last year, as a rookie. That savvy will translate to drawing defensive fouls in the lane, now that Smart’s ankle is healthy.

Smart and Harden are about the same height, about the same weight, and their bread and butter offensively is attacking the rim and drawing fouls. It’s just that Smart injured his ankle in November, so you never got to see that aspect of his game. And you obviously didn’t watch Smart in college, or you would already know that Smart is a bulldog in attacking the rim, and obviously has above average offensive potential.

As a shooting guard, a concept you haven’t wrapped your mind around yet, Smart already has above average ball handling, passing, decision making, way way above average strength, All Defense level defense, an average 3 point shot, and way above average 4th quater/clutch scoring ability. And I didn’t even mention his leadership.

Keep calling yourself a Celtics fan, but start showing the humility of a recovering tanker.

If Smart can be a poor man’s James Harden offensively, which he can and will be, he can be one of the most valuable players in the league, sooner rather than later. Because of his defense.

Smart’s been a better player than Tony Allen probably since his freshman year at OK State, and writing Smart off as Tony Allen just shows you don’t actually watch the games. Or if you did, you were only hoping to lose them and tank.

Even 90% of people here will tell you that, and they don’t claim to be Celtics fans like you do.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 This article was written 4 games into Smart’s freshman year:

Why Marcus Smart is the Next James Harden

bleacherreport.com/articles/1420250-why-oklahoma-states-marcus-smart-will-be-the-next-james-harden

One glance at their college stats, and college highlight clips, would tell you there’s a strong resemblance. 

Don’t forget that Harden wasn’t even a starter until like 3 years ago.

 

 

[T Rex]

 This article was written 4 games into Smart’s freshman year:

Why Marcus Smart is the Next James Harden

bleacherreport.com/articles/1420250-why-oklahoma-states-marcus-smart-will-be-the-next-james-harden

One glance at their college stats, and college highlight clips, would tell you there’s a strong resemblance. 

Don’t forget that Harden wasn’t even a starter until like 3 years ago.

 

 

[oc1234Participant]

 I question your self-proclaimed "draft guru" status if you believe Marcus Smart’s game resembles James Harden’s at all. You can’t list their freethrow attempts per game in college and use it as a basis for comparison of Harden and Smart. You can’t list defensive stats of Smart then compare him to James Harden because Harden is notoriously known as a liability on the defensive side of the ball.

 

 I am a Celtics fan and would love to see Smart become the next superstar for the our team, but I just don’t see it. I am not sure whether you are a Celtic fan, but I’ve read Celtics fans/ Smart fans like you that rave about Smart as this up and coming superstar and 2 way star. The problem with your argument is that it completely lacks evidence of Smart becoming anything beyond an average offensive player. You didn’t give me one offensive statistic that gave me any hope of Smart becoming a legitimate go-to offensive weapon besides your claim that you where a scouting guru that could just tell. I don’t discount the fact that Smart could become an elite defensive player, but nobody here is going to tell me you can build around a Tony Allen or a Bruce Bowen type player. 

Of course players like Jimmy Butler have made huge jumps after 2 very average offensive seasons before, but very seldom does it usually happen like that on a consistent basis. 

So once you can form an argument based completely on stats proving to me that Smart has plenty of promise to improve from his first year, I will not buy into it because I just don’t see him as that special of a player. And when I say that special of a player I mean a superstar or franchise building block and for that matter even a star. 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 As a rookie, chucking up a ton of threes, Smart still shot a higher % from 3 than Westbrook and Wade were ever able to muster in any season in their entire careers.

 

 

[T Rex]

 As a rookie, chucking up a ton of threes, Smart still shot a higher % from 3 than Westbrook and Wade were ever able to muster in any season in their entire careers.

 

 

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