Boston Celtics: The Emergence of a Reliable Marcus Smart

Feb 9, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) shoots over Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) shoots over Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now in his third-year out of Oklahoma State former first-round pick Marcus Smart is emerging as a reliable piece in the Celtics puzzle.

First-round picks, especially those selected with the sixth overall pick, can be handed high expectations. A player taken in the lottery is supposed to transcend their team into an upper stratosphere of success. The Boston Celtics did not draft Marcus Smart for this, but it may come.

Smart wasn’t necessarily handed those keys,but better results were certainly expected. Battling injuries in his first two seasons, missing 36 games, and fighting inconsistency, it looked as if the Celtics might have misfired on another top-ten pick.

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The 2016-17 season has been a different story for Smart, his contributions helping the Celtics to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

The most recent example of his play was a 18-point, five-steal performance in Thursday’s 120-11 victory over the  Portland Trail Blazers. Smart also had six rebounds and five assists in that game.

Over the past five games, Smart is averaging 12 points, 4.4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Twice over this span Smart has had five steals in a game.

Smart’s numbers are up this season in scoring, minutes, assists and shooting percentage, partially thanks to being healthy. He is also acclimating to the game more, providing a steady presence off the bench.

The defensive play of Smart has always been a positive impact. It’s been needed this season, as the Celtics have taken a step backwards when it comes to defense. Part of that can be attributed to Avery Bradley‘s injury and the departure of Evan Turner.

Smart, this season, is playing a lot like Turner. On any given night–along with defense–Smart can put up 16-20 points while dishing out five assists. He may not be quite up to that level yet, but if Smart keeps it up, he will be a solid player in the NBA for seasons to come.

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Up Next: The Utah Jazz

The Celtics continue their west coast swing with a game at Utah on Saturday night. Boston defeated the Jazz just over a month ago, 115-104.

In that game, Isaiah Thomas had 29 points and 15 assists for the Celtics. Smart had nine points and three assists in 28 minutes.