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Marcus Smart: Passing More Shooting Less

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Smart is changing his approach on offense a bit, and the results speaks for themelves

It did not take long for the Boston Celtics to see how important Marcus Smart is on defense while he was out. They have completely turned it around since he returned, and Smart needs to be seriously considered as a defensive player of the year candidate. Smart’s most important role will always be on defense, but he still has a massive impact on the offense.

The second unit has been surging in a special way since the All Star break, and they have been doing it on both ends. Smart can be as frustrating as anyone on offense, but he deserves a lot of credit for the offense they have been playing.

It is no secret that Smart cannot shoot well, and he often would jack up too many bad shots, especially from three point range. Since returning from his injury, Smart is starting to adapt his approach a bit, and the overall results of the second unit have been remarkable.

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Smart is the primary instigator on the second unit, so he will always have an impact on his teammates. Since he has returned, he still has not shot well, but the shot selection appears to be getting better. He is averaging almost one fewer three point attempt per game, and has taken two or less three point attempts in three of the last six games. For reference, Smart shot two or fewer three point attempts three games in the 21 games before he got hurt.

Smart is making sure that he is not hurting the team in any way, and his three point shot selection is going to be the biggest factor. Smart is now taking those three pointer opportunities that he is giving up, and turning them into better opportunities for his teammates.

The second unit has been playing great offense as a unit, with everyone getting involved. Smart was already one of the most important distributors on the team, but he is using more of his opportunities to get others involved. Smart is averaging over five assists per game since returning, and has not finished a game with less than four yet. In the 15 games prior to his injury, Smart finished with less than four assists nine times.

Smart is playing with more intelligence and everything is balancing out well. He is bringing great consistency without being a shooter on offense, and you cannot argue with the results they are getting,

Smart may never get close to an elite offensive player, but he is taking the steps tp make sure he will never be a liability. It is clear that Smart is going to be responsible for a lot of the second unit offense, and he needs to be the one they look to as an instigator.

Next: 3 Reasons for Current Success

Who knows if this adapted approach will stick, but Smart’s having the biggest impact of his entire career over this recent stretch.

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