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Ex-Boston Celtics heart and soul seen as dream fit next to Damian Lillard on Bucks

By Andrew Hughes

Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz loves the fit of the former heart and soul of the Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart, next to Damian Lillard in the Milwaukee Bucks' backcourt for the 2024-25 NBA season; calling it the perfect counter to the Cs trading for Jrue Holiday last October.

"Marcus Smart is a few seasons removed from his Defensive Player of the Year award, although he remains a huge upgrade in perimeter defense from anyone the Milwaukee Bucks currently have on their roster," Swartz prefaced before saying, "The Bucks finished just 19th defensively last season. Putting Smart in the starting backcourt next to Damian Lillard gives Milwaukee a stopper on defense who brings 108 games of playoff experience from his time with the Boston Celtics. It would also be the perfect counter to Boston's trading for Jrue Holiday last offseason."

Smart played in just 20 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2023-24 season but his numbers and efficiency were up with the increased responsibilities that Ja Morant's suspension and injury facilitated. On the Bucks, he'd go back to having a tertiary role behind Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he's proven to be capable in those shoes while with the Celtics behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

How Bucks can land former Boston Celtics heart and soul Marcus Smart

There's a very clear path for Smart to land in Milwaukee: the Bucks can swap out either of their big men, Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis, and replace Holiday's role from 2020-2023 and Patrick Beverley's from the 2023-24 season.

Lopez would require the Grizz to add more salary on their side, while Portis would force Milwaukee to play the money-matching game. It's not easy for either side, but front offices with goals always find a way.

Smart would be featured in a heavy spot-up role with the Bucks, and he certainly wouldn't have the offensive freedom he did under Ime Udoka and Joe Mazzulla from 2021-2023. Defensively, he can help hide Lillard and preserve Antetokounmpo's energy by taking the opposing team's top perimeter weapon. Basketball-wise, it's undeniably a great fit.

It'd just be sad for Celtics fans to see Smart try to fill the Holiday role with the Bucks. At least Boston has the real thing and is thriving with him in tow.

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