Marcus Smart Embraces Role as Distributor

The Boston Celtics got more than they could have imagined out of Marcus Smart during his rookie season. His NBA ready defense may have been the best out of the draft class and immediately made him one of the most important players on the team.

Smart was an improved shooter, shooting above 30% form three point range for the first time in his career and he embraced a leadership role, despite being one of the younger players on one of the youngest teams in the NBA.

Everything is in place for Smart to seize the Celtics as his team and on a squad filled with young prospects, he is the one with the brightest future. It’s no surprise that the Celtics want to yet again increase Smart’s responsibility on the court, only this season they want to see it on the offensive end.

The Celtics do not need Smart to be a do it all scorer that carries the team on his back but he needs to prove that he can be a primary ball handler. Scoring is going to be important but in Stevens’ offense the most important thing for ball handlers is distribution.

Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) controls the ball during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Turner led the team in assists last season and that earned him some of the most offensive responsibility on the team. David Lee is the best passing big man on the team and that has propelled him to the top of the power forward depth chart.

Smart is yet to have a true breakout game this preseason but in their last battle against the Knicks his passing ability was on full display. Smart led the team with 9 assists in 27 minutes. While 9 assists is nothing staggering it demonstrates the kind of mentality Smart is embracing.

Despite leading the team in minutes and being a primary ball handler, there were still seven different players that had as many shot attempts or more than Smart. Smart has a lot of developing to do in his offensive game and he realizes that the biggest impact he can have is distributing the ball.

The Celtics have a great collection of efficient finishers and Smart will be the best leader for this team if he keeps up the unselfish mentality. His impact on the defensive end ensures that Smart will continue to be a team leader in minutes and if he is creating for his teammates on the offensive end then he is a prime candidate to be at the very top of the list.

The Celtics still need a go to scorer for their starting unit but Smart is simply not developed enough on the offensive end to have the kind of impact scoring the ball as someone like Isaiah Thomas will. Smart is taking the best route as he develops as he is putting his scoring on the side for the sake of the offense as a whole.

Smart had more assists than field goals in his last two starts this preseason and the unselfishness he is showing on the offensive end is the best thing for the Celtics. Thomas is always going to look to score first, Turner is maddeningly inconsistent and Avery Bradley is limited in his playmaking ability. Smart can be the top passing point guard for the Celtics and his success will always translate to great success for the team.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Smart’s young career is his willingness to sacrifice and his leadership. There is no doubting that Smart will do exactly what the Celtics need out of him and until he becomes a more polished scorer his biggest impact on the offensive end will be passing the ball.

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