Marcus Smart viewed as ‘most polarizing player’ on the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics may not be producing in the way in which many had envisioned they would be at this point when coming into the year, but there’s still hope that they can turn their fortunes around.

To some, it is because of the oft buzzed about, and very realistic scenario that the Cs will look into making some sort of in-season trade while, to others, it’s because of the talents they already have in tow on their roster.

Now yes, obviously the big stars such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown alone will have many under the impression that this team as currently constructed has the firepower necessary to go on a legitimate run at any given moment, but it’s the supporting cast that makes this group so intriguing.

From Al Horford to Robert Williams, Josh Richardson to Dennis Schroder this team has quite a collection of veterans who have proven throughout their career that they are capable of having a significant impact on their respective ball clubs.

However, still there are those within Boston’s core group that are viewed as contributors who may be holding the team back, and the most polarizing player found on the roster who could be argued to be doing so is Marcus Smart — at least, that’s what Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes.

Citing the guard’s up-and-down production in regard to his respective position, Buckley suggests that the 27-year-old’s inclusion in virtually every hypothetical trade has to do with more than just his salary and “not found on the stat sheet” impact:

"Obviously, there’s plenty to his game that won’t translate into statistical offensive success, so he’ll always warrant some leeway with his numbers. That being said, it’s tough to label any starter with a grisly 38.2/28.4/75.6 shooting slash as anything other than an offensive liability.Smart’s supporters will say the raw numbers lack nuance, and things like making the extra pass, stepping in to draw chargers and even speaking up when he deems it necessary elevate his impact far above what the stat sheet says. Still, there’s a reason that virtually every trade machine maestro chooses to include Smart when hypothetically sending an impact player back to Boston."

Now, like many fans of the Boston Celtics organization, we here at the Houdini understand the emotional roller coaster that is having Smart on your team.

However, despite the fact that he got off to a rather slow start to the year, the Swiss Army Man has turned it on as of late, averaging 14 points, 7.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 45 percent shooting from the field over their last eight games.

While his inconsistencies may make him a dud one game and an all-out stud the next, we know what Marcus Smart’s potential is when he’s at his best, and that’s a stellar two-way player with truly elite defensive expertise.

To us, while he may be a polarizing figure within the rotation for the Boston Celtics, his upside alone is truly reason enough to endure his erratic play from time to time.