Boston Celtics: Ranking the C’s top-3 trade assets
By Mark Nilon
Most valuable trade asset on Boston Celtics No. 2) Marcus Smart
Deemed the heart and soul of Boston Celtics basketball by the fanbase and even some of his own teammates, Marcus Smart is not only one of the most valuable trade chips the franchise has — should they wish to make any further moves — but, over the past several seasons, he’s proven to be one of the most valuable players on the roster period.
A Swiss Army type of player that can seemingly do everything on the hardwood, the 27-year-old has proven to be a phenomenal sixth man off the bench, a trustworthy plug-in starter when needed, and, during this past campaign, an efficient full-time first-five talent.
Though predominently a two guard, when need be Smart can serve as his respective team’s floor general as well, which is exactly what he did during the C’s first 11 games of the regular season while Kemba Walker was rehabing from an offseason procedure.
During this timespan, the seventh-year veteran went on to average 12.4 points and six assists on 37 percent shooting from deep and, on the year as a whole, he averaged 13.1 points, 5.7 assists, 3.5 boards, 1.5 steals, and half a block.
A 2x NBA All-Defensive player with just a year remaining at a rather team-friendly $13.8 million pay-day, it’s inarguable that Marcus Smart is deserving of the second spot on this list and, should the No. 1 player be deemed at “untouchable” (which is certainly not out of the question), the combo guard would easily take the top spot.