Hardwood Houdini
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Should the Celtics Extend Smart Now?

By Adam Miller

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 09: Marcus Smart 36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 09: Marcus Smart 36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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Lots of times we the fans, act as our favorite team’s general manager.

This is no different when it comes to Celtics fans. I’m sure most, if not all, of you have concocted their own sure-fire plans for Danny Ainge and the C’s.

Now, the Celtics are tasked with another front office move. Should he extend Marcus Smart?

As a fan who loves to play GM, I’ll share my take: YES, DO IT NOW. STOP WASTING TIME AND JUST DO IT.

Unfortunately, I have no say when it comes to Smart’s contract extension. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t write about why Ainge needs to sign Smart ASAP.

If you haven’t watched any of the Celtics preseason games, you really can’t appreciate how much Smart has improved. Now with a new, slim figure, Smart has new-found bounce to his step. He’s jumping higher and attacking the rim faster than ever before. Best of all, he’s finally converting at the rim at a consistent basis as evidence from the video below.

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Preseason has already seen an improvement 3-point shot from Smart. His improved shooting stroke now see’s him taking the 3 with confidence. In the Celtics’ first 4 preseason games he’s taken 12 shots from beyond the arc, converting on 7 of them. If you told me this time last year that Smart would make 58% of his 3-point shots I would laugh in your face. Now, it’s a reality.

Smart is also showing his worth as a facilitator. Last season saw Smart average a career-highs in assists per game (4.8) and assist percentage (22%). For the first time in Smart’s career, he looked like he had the ability to run an offense. While he did not put up crazy assist numbers during preseason, he did flash some nifty passing skills.

Oh, did I forget to mention that Smart is still a defensive juggernaut? Since entering the league, Smart has been known for his superior defensive. It’s not very often you find a player who can legitimately guard any position on the court. His nonstop motor and tendency gives opposing guards headaches. He has a career average of 1.5 steals per game and owns a 2.7 defensive wins shares, which is 0.7 higher than former teammate Avery Bradley. Speaking of Bradley, since he will not be suiting up for the green and white this season, someone needs to pick up his defensive responsibilities. Smart is by far the best option. Just to remind you how feisty of a defender Smart is, here’s a clip from the preseason game against the Sixers.

https://twitter.com/LeadingNBA/status/916489686776012801

Next: Marcus Morris Makes Preseason Debut

Once you put in add-up all of Smart’s improvements with his already established skills, it’s feasible to assume that this will be his best season to date.

So, if Ainge intends on keeping Smart on a team-friendly salary, he needs to act fast.

If not, Smart may be unloading his brinks truck somewhere else.

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