Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 2 players to step up in Marcus Smart’s absence

By Andrew DiIorio

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 01: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 01, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 01: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 01, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

On Saturday night, Marcus Smart suffered a gruesome-looking injury in the Boston Celtics’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Many fans initially feared for the worst, but it was announced on Sunday afternoon that the guard would miss 2-to-3 weeks with a calf strain.

In the first 17 games of the season, Smart is averaging career highs in points and assists, with 13.1 and 6.1, respectively. He has taken over more of the ball-handling duties with the nagging injuries of Kemba Walker and the departure of Gordon Hayward, leading to higher assist numbers.

Every year of his career, the defensive specialist has improved more and more on the offensive end, shooting a respectable 35% from three-point range last year.

At the beginning of his career, he garnered a reputation as an inefficient, high-volume shooter, and deservedly so. However, his growth on the offensive end has made him an above-average facilitator and scorer, while maintaining his all-defensive status on the other end of the court.

Marcus Smart plays an extremely important role for the Boston Celtics

He has assisted on 25.4% of the team’s made baskets, placing him in the 81st percentile for combo guards. That is the highest assist-percentage of his career, along with recording career bests in usage and turnover percentage.

This only speaks to his increased role in the offensive unit, becoming a main starter for this Boston Celtics team.

In years past, Smart often found himself as the odd man out, with the combination of Walker, Jaylen Brown, Hayward, and Jayson Tatum all having to start.

Now, with more positions opened up, he has been able to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player from the start of the game, while finding his open teammates for good looks at the basket off the pick-and-roll.

He has had an uncharacteristically great season in the mid-range game, shooting 53% from all two-point shots outside of the paint. That number is 14% better than his previous high of 39% last year.

Putting him in the 92nd percentile, that element of his offense provides the Boston Celtics with another option to look to score when the offense isn’t clicking.

Finally, his defensive tenacity and skills remain the best for any guard in the league. Being able to defend practically every position on the court, his 2.3 steal% places him in the 91st percentile.

So, which Boston Celtics players can step up and attempt to replace Marcus’ production?

Home/Celtics News