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NBA Playoffs: 3 X-Factor Celtics that could surprise us, 2 that could fall flat

By John Canady

With the playoffs nearing, the Boston Celtics look to redeem themselves -- and these 3 players could be an X-factor while these 2 players could fall flat Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
With the playoffs nearing, the Boston Celtics look to redeem themselves -- and these 3 players could be an X-factor while these 2 players could fall flat Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Marcus Smart

This name may come as a surprise to many. While Marcus Smart is the heart and soul of this Boston Celtics team, there have been some games that Smart’s decision-making has cost the Cs this season. On the flip side, the Oklahoma State product has also kept Boston in multiple games this season with his gritty defense and unmatched hustle. But with Smart’s game, you know what you get on a nightly basis defensively. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s tenacious defense is a constant, but the starting point guard’s offense comes in flurries.

In his second full season as the team’s playmaker, he’s averaging a career-high 6.3 assists per game. However, since entering the league, Smart has always been a streaky shooter. Why does this matter?

The Cs added another proven guard to the mix this season in Malcolm Brogdon. Although there hasn’t been an impact on Smart’s game yet in the regular season, the postseason can cause lineup changes in an instant. The win or go home factor of the playoffs forces coaches to shake things up.

Smart’s defense will always be important, but if the 29-year-old struggles on offense, Brogdon could certainly find himself cutting into Marcus’ minutes. Brogdon’s ability to play exceptional defense and offense could help the Six Man of the Year candidate earn more minutes.

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