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Boston Celtics: a data dive into the impressive play of Marcus Smart

By Ian Riaf

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 07: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on February 07, 2020 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, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 07: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on February 07, 2020 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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Boston Celtics & NBA basketball in the time of pandemic seems so far removed from our present day-to-day concerns.

A quick non-Boston Celtics personal note: A few weeks ago, I attended the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, not realizing the significance of this action. While the conference was interesting and hindsight is 20/20, the thought of being in a space with 2,000 other people is now a daunting one. So much has changed in such a short time.

Even though part of me is very hesitant to write about basketball from a tactical standpoint, I am going to proceed with a Marcus Smart data dive. Health-wise, Smart, the only reported member of the Boston Celtics to test positive for COVID-19, recently let his followers know through Twitter that he is in good health.

Okay, so let’s get into it.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, I want first bring up this false dichotomy of effort vs. skill guys. Sometimes, in the basketball world, players who display intensity and grit, particularly on the defensive side of the floor, are labeled as hustle or effort guys, but only just that. There exists an absence of skill or finished offensive polish that comes along with this identity.

Early on, because of his shooting woes, Smart was labeled a defender and just that. This label has followed him even as he improved his offensive skills in the process proving doubters wrong.

Many are quick to draw a fine line and mark how his maximal exertion on defense correlated to offensive rawness. Smart, especially in the past two seasons, has put in the work. He’s made enough three-pointers to justify shooting seven per game.

Let’s take a look at the individual areas in which Marcus Smart has improved upon.

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