Boston Celtics: Three Improvements Marcus Smart Can Make Next Season

2) Shot Selection & Decision Making

It is feasible to say that Marcus Smart’s issues stem from the fact that he is a center in a point guard’s body. A center that wants to shoot like a shooting guard, but converts at the rate of a traditional big man.

What we have learned thus far is that Marcus Smart is a poor shooter. Up to this point in his career, that is an open and shut case. His shot selection has certainly not done him any favors, either.

Through four NBA seasons, a whopping 48% of his shots came from downtown. As mentioned previously, 29 percent of those attempts see the bottom of the net. From anywhere within the arc, he is shooting a significantly better 42 percent, with a 52 percent conversion rate within 3 feet.

Simply put, until Marcus can provide a consistent outside shot, taking less 3’s in favor of 2’s would be the most beneficial choice for both him and the team.

The puzzling thing is- despite these horrific numbers–the guy exudes confidence. He simply believes that the next shot will go in, whether he’s 4-for-4 or 0-for-10. On the surface, it’s great that he trusts his abilities and believes in himself. This can create an illusion of a threat, fooling the defense into overreacting, even if he is the worst shooter in the league. This comes as a blessing and a curse, though.

While Marcus has no problem hoisting up a ton of shots, it comes as a detriment to the team when they are consistently missing the mark. Particularly with a loaded roster like Boston’s. Oftentimes, he avoids making the extra pass to throw up a three or play isolation hero ball when there’s a better option on the floor. Take this play, for example.

In the pivotal final moments of this match up with the Lakers last season, we see Marcus pass on at least four options that would have better positioned the team to win the contest.

Initially, he had Rozier on the outlet off of the rebound. As he crossed half court he had both Irving and Tatum trailing at the left arc and Rozier in the right corner. All of whom are statistically far superior shooters than Smart. Instead of making any of those passes, he tosses up a prayer three as time expires.

With the return of Hayward there will be plenty of preferred scoring options that will get passed up if Smart continues shooting at the rate he does. If Smart took less shots and passed more often, there’s a good chance the offense would open up.

To his credit, the guy did average 4.8 assists per game, good for second on the roster behind Kyrie Irving. If Marcus can prove that he has improved his shot, then by all means let it fly. Until then, pass first, shoot second should be on the forefront of his mind.