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Boston Celtics: Three Improvements Marcus Smart Can Make Next Season

By Travis Babcock

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by 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: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by 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 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.  (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.  (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1) Shooting

The biggest area of concern in Marcus Smart’s game is, and always has been, shooting. Just how bad is Smart at converting jump shots? Historically bad.

In fact, Smart is currently the worst shooter among all active players in the league, with a career field goal percentage of just 36%. This also makes him the 66th-worst shooter in league history, folks. The verdict is in on Marcus Smart, and the guy is guilty of enough bricks to build a brick house.

The long ball has always been particularly troublesome for Smart. He is shooting 29 percent from three for his career, which makes the four-year guard the only player in NBA history to connect on under 30 percent of three-point shots attempted. Because of this, Marcus currently holds the title as the worst 3-point shooter in pro basketball history amongst qualified players.

Unfortunately for Smart, his accuracy from the field has only gotten worse as his career has progressed. His career high in field goal percentage (36.7%), effective field goal percentage (46%), and 3-point percentage (33.5%) all occurred his rookie season.

He finished his fourth season as a pro with a 30 percent 3-point percentage and a 44 percent effective field goal percentage. There is clearly significant room for improvement in this aspect of Smart’s game; the only question is- can he make the adjustments necessary?

The one ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy marsh of a shot is his free throw shooting. By looking at a basketball player’s ability to knock down free throws, it can give the observer a glimpse into the potential root cause of any abnormalities in the shooting form that could be the leading factor in a poor shot. With free throws, it all comes down to mechanics. Consistency in a player’s shooting form translates to a high percentage at the line, and vice versa.

The curious thing about Marcus Smart is that he is actually a respectable shooter at the charity stripe. His career 75 percent conversion rate at the line indicates that, at least mechanically, his shot has some promise.

The first step in a long line of steps that can turn Boston’s sixth man into an everyday starter begins with the improvement of his shooting. Yes, he more than makes up for the deficiency in that department with his otherworldly defense.

But, just for a moment, sit back and imagine a world where Marcus Smart knocks down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. Heck, even 35 percent would open up his game and allow some breathing room for other scoring opportunities.

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