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Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart will make a huge impact on this team next season

By Jesse Cinquini

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics speaks to Marcus Smart in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics speaks to Marcus Smart in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Smart is the longest tenured Celtic. He understands how important winning is to the fans and the organization, and he seems motivated to help bring a title to Boston.

Watching Marcus Smart play the game of basketball is entertaining. He certainly has made his fair share of blunders on the court during his first four seasons in the league, but he is must-see television. And what most average fans do not realize is that Marcus makes more “winning plays” than anyone on the roster.  Despite being constantly criticized for his shot selection and erratic play at times, he does many more positive things than negative while playing for the Boston Celtics.

Smart plays the game with an intensity that is matched by very few players. His presence defensively off the bench will be one of the keys to Boston’s success next season. Shutting down the top guards on the opposing team is what Marcus lives for. Last season his stingy defense made the offensive player that he was guarding shoot an average of -3.8% lower than their season average. This statistic magnifies Smart’s game-changing impact on the defensive side of the ball.

If Marcus decided to leave in free agency earlier this summer, Boston would have missed him dearly. Last season he was usually the first guy off the bench and his energy and passion would rub off on the entire team. There are countless instances throughout Smart’s career when his hustle or toughness inspired the entire group to play at a higher level and win the game.

Marcus Smart’s defensive prowess and winning attitude will prove to be extremely impactful to the Celtics title hopes next year. For Boston to have a chance at taking down a powerhouse like the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, Marcus will need to do a terrific job of containing Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry throughout the series.

Overall, Smart is a tremendously important player. Without him on the team, it is hard to imagine the Celtics being in the position that they are in today. His mere presence injects life into the team and the home crowd, which makes him invaluable. If Banner 18 is raised to the rafters next June, do not be surprised if Marcus Smart is the Finals MVP.

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