Boston Celtics G Marcus Smart Emerging as an Emotional Leader
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is stepping up his game this season both mentally and emotionally.
Marcus Smart may not score the most points or shoot with the highest percentage, but the Boston Celtics guard has found other ways to contribute to the team. In his third NBA season, Smart is doing it with hustle and emotion.
Those qualities have shown both in practice and on the basketball court this season. Since returning from an ankle injury, Smart has increased his hustle mainly through rebounding and driving to the hoop to create scoring opportunities.
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His intensity both on the offensive end and defensive end has at times picked up his teammates. That type of inspiring basketball is what is emerging Smart as an important sixth man in this league and is also what transcends him as an emotional leader.
"“I’ve been trying to attack and make my teammates better,” Smart said Saturday via the Worcester Telegram. “It feels good. Everybody on that second unit is a contributor. That whole second unit has been good overall. We’ve been playing well together.”"
The Oklahoma State product has had to step up as a leader while starting five games due to the absence of both Jae Crowder and Al Horford. The big minutes he has played has added to his confidence as a versatile defender who is able to contain big scorers like Andrew Wiggins.
Last Monday, Smart was the motivating factor in the team’s 19-0 run against the Timberwolves to steal a victory in Minnesota. That same defensive intensity drew him the assignment of guarding Spurs star Kawhi Leonard on Friday. Although he may not completely stop some of the opposing team’s top scorers, the high level he plays with triggers the emotion of those around him.
As much as anything, that is a reason Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens turns to Smart to pick the team up.
"“Whether he comes off the bench, or starts, he plays with such great intensity,” Brad Stevens said, “that you feel good that if you’re playing well it’s going to stay at that level of intensity, and if you’re not he’s going to raise your energy level.“It’s obviously not ideal for him to be a (small forward). He’s not a 3, he’s a combo guard. But at the same time he’s physical and strong enough where he can match up on some guys.”"
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While Smart is not where he wants to be offensively, his intensity on the court and vocal leadership makes him a very valuable player on a team looking to go deep in the playoffs.