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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 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Passing

Another underrated aspect of Marcus Smart’s game is his court vision.

Smart is an elite passer despite his on-paper statistics. Essentially tied with Kemba Walker for assists, the point guard only plays 23 percent of his time at the one spot. Having tied his career-high assist numbers this season, using Smart as a primary ball-handler makes a lot of sense, as Walker is extremely active coming off above the break screens.

Because he is shooting more this year, Smart’s assist rate was down, but he still showcased his ability to create for his teammates. This season, when Smart played at shooting guard, the team is +7.3 in terms of point differential. When he plays the point guard spot, they are a whopping +12.3, putting them in the 93rd percentile.

If you are tired of reading numbers on a screen, check out this one minute clip of Marcus Smart dishing out dimes this season by clicking here, it will serve as a pleasant interlude from all this reading.

Coming into the league, one of his main attributes, aside from his defensive chops, was his distribution skills. And, just like seemingly everything else, year by year Smart has managed to improve significantly in this area of his game.

From his flashy no-look bounce passes to his behind the back dimes, it’s been a true pleasure to watch the huge strides in which the 26 year old has taken throughout his six year career.

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