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Boston Celtics: 3 Cs that have disappointed so far in 2021-22

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Smart #36, Jayson Tatum #0, and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Smart #36, Jayson Tatum #0, and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Disappointing Boston Celtics player No. 2) Marcus Smart

For the first time in his eight-year career, Marcus Smart found himself coming into the 2021-22 season as the top option to serve as the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics.

From guys like Rajon Rondo and Isaiah Thomas to Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, during his tenure in the association there always seemed to be a bigger name at the position that was viewed as the superior option for the Cs to roll out as their lead floor general.

Now, with the last of this bunch (Walker) being shipped out via trade this offseason, the one was Smart’s for the taking and, with this, many believed that he would wind up setting new career-highs with his increased role within the rotation.

Through the first five games of the year, however, the 27-year-old has not exactly proven himself worthy of being the unquestioned lead guard for this playoff-hopeful Celtics squad.

In 37 minutes a night (third-highest average on the team), Marcus Smart finds himself posting underwhelming averages of 7.4 points, 4.8 assists, and four rebounds per game on an abysmal 25.5 percent shooting from the floor and 23.5 percent shooting from deep.

Obviously, for those familiar with how the veteran’s game operates, a majority of his impact doesn’t always show up in the game’s final box score as he’s more of a hustle and bustle type of contributor who will look to dominate on the defensive side of the ball and take care of the “little things” throughout the game.

However, serving as the starting point guard in a lineup with two All-Stars, one of which being a budding superstar, requires more than just being able to excel at accomplishing all the small things.

While his defensive numbers and production have been impressive (averaging 2.6 steals and holds the second-best defensive rating on the team out of those who have logged over 130 minutes), this was always to be expected from Smart.

What he needed to/ still needs to show is that he can be just as impactful on offense as he has proven to be on the less glamorous side of the ball.

So far, he has yet to prove that he can.

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