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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) /
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Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics to replace Marcus Smart: Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has gotten off to quite a rocky start in the 2020-21 NBA season.

Having one of his worst games as a pro against the Lakers, Boston Celtics fans were certainly concerned about the All-Star’s ability to get back to that level this season.

After missing the start of the year, Walker has averaged 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in six games. His efficiency hasn’t been great, shooting 37% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc.

Obviously, those numbers are going to go up, as he shot 42.5% and 38% last year from those same markers.

There’s no doubt that Kemba hasn’t played up to his standards in his age-30 season, and he would be the first to tell you that. Now with Smart’s injury, it’s time for Walker to step up and carry more of the offensive load.

With the guard rotation thinning out due to not only Smart but Payton Pritchard’s injury as well, the UConn product’s minutes restriction will likely lighten up.

The good news for Boston Celtics fans on Kemba’s start to the season: he looks great physically.

There is no noticeable decline in his quickness on the court or ability to get to the rim. Right now, his shot simply isn’t falling, and there’s nothing to indicate that it will not get back to his usual clip.

In the upcoming five-game cross-country road trip for the Cs, Boston will have to rely on Walker to find his shot for them to hold up on both ends of the court. On defense, he needs to simply not be a total negative.

He’s been good in the passing lanes, as he set up the potential game-winner for himself Saturday night by stripping Anthony Davis — the shot just didn’t fall.

So far, the team is a ridiculous 15.2 points worse with him on the court. Keep in mind, this is an extremely small sample size, only playing 149 minutes this year. For reference, Walker played 2861 minutes his last year in Charlotte.

What’s important for the Celtics is for Kemba to remain healthy throughout the year, as he slowly ramps up to his All-Star shape.

For the Boston Celtics to have a chance at the championship this year, they’ll need Kemba Walker to be the old Kemba Walker.

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