Boston Celtics: The 4 biggest bargains on the C’s roster
By Mark Nilon
Bargain player No. 2) Marcus Smart — $12.9 million
On paper, it’s quite evident that sixth-year veteran Marcus Smart is paid quite handsomely.
Currently, in the third season of a four-year, $51.9 million contract with the Boston Celtics, the 26-year-old finds himself ranking in as the third highest-paid player on the roster.
With this in mind, one may be asking themselves “so how would he be considered a “bargain” contract if he’s one of the highest-paid players on the team?”
The way we see it, his production, coupled with his accolades, and leadership skills all add up to the sum of money in which he makes annually — perhaps even more, if we’re being honest.
During the 2019-20 campaign, Smart found himself posting a career year, averaging 12.9 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and half a block per game on 35 percent shooting from deep, all while being slotted in and out of the starting lineup whilst filling in for players at MULTIPLE positions, mind you.
As we all know, Marcus Smart is also one of the best defenders in the league and, because of his excellence on that side of the floor, he was voted onto his second consecutive NBA All-Defensive First Team, joining the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons, and Rudy Gobert, ALL of whom make $100 million or more with their respective contracts.
All things considered, I’d say having the Swiss Army man for just under $13 million a year could be considered quite a bargain, wouldn’t you?