Marcus Smart Dislocates Two Fingers in Summer League Play
Boston Celtic guard Marcus Smart is undeniably tenacious. He’s not shy about going chest to chest with an opposing player on defense or hitting the floor to extend a possession. Tonight, however, that relentlessness proved costly when Smart dislocated his right index and middle fingers diving over Portland Trail Blazer forward Noah Vonleh as he attempted to deflect a loose ball to a teammate in a Las Vegas summer league game.
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This occurred midway through the second quarter and obviously Smart did not return to the game. The long-term impact of this injury remains up in the air. Smart will undergo X-rays and likely be out the rest of the summer.
Let’s be clear. I am in no way saying Smart needs to change his style of play or let up whatsoever. He’s a 21-year-old player entering his second year in the league, looking to break out and really start making an impact. Dominating summer league play is the first step in doing that.
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I love the fact that Smart was getting after it so hard in the second quarter of a game in mid-July. Injuries happen, and this one most likely won’t affect his playing status when the regular season gets underway. It robs him of a couple months of valuable training, however, as rehab is inevitable.
I was completely onboard with Marcus Smart when the Celtics drafted him last summer. When they landed the sixth pick in the lottery I considered him the best case scenario. He steadily improved throughout his rookie campaign and I really hope this injury doesn’t hinder further blossoming in year two. With the regular season still over three months out, I don’t anticipate that it will.
With Smart sidelined, Celtic first round pick Terry Rozier takes center stage as the team finishes up summer league play. The Louisville product has averaged over 12 points in seven games, included a 22 point outing against Philadelphia. He’s distributing the ball well and knocking down a lot of free throws, inspiring confidence that Boston has a strong committee of young guards to turn to next year.
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If Smart is able to go come late October, the Celtics will kick off the year with at least five players sharing the ball handling duties. Smart and Rozier should be capable of bringing it up the floor, and expectations are sky-high for dynamic sixth man Isaiah Thomas as he enters his first full year with the team. Avery Bradley and Evan Turner will also spend time leading the charge.
With all these options at the point guard position, I don’t expect coach Brad Stevens to nail down an ironclad rotation before 2016. High hopes rest on Smart though to emerge as the primary playmaker. He’s the lottery pick, the one brimming with the most potential. If he can make that leap, and bring his offense up to speed with an already top-notch defensive ability, the Celtics will continue to rise.
This injury is definitely a setback, but should prove to be a minor one. Smart may miss out on a couple more summer league games to showcase his talents, but another 82 are right around the corner. Boston is out to prove that last year’s surprise playoff berth was no fluke. Smart will be at the heart of it all as they look to ascend in the Eastern Conference.
Next: Survival of the Fittest for a Crowded Celtics Roster