Boston Celtics 2016-17 player report card: Marcus Smart

Boston’s 6th man Marcus Smart has become somewhat of an enforcer for the Celtics, and coming off the bench he’s had his most productive season of his short career.

Marcus Smart has had his best year statistically in his short three-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, but he may have played his final minutes in green. With Boston’s bevy of options this off-season, they may be making more moves than any other NBA team. Personally, I hope he stays a Celtic, but in Ainge we trust.

Smart is somewhat of the Celtics enforcer, he’s got the toughness and grit Boston players need. Which gets him in trouble from time to time, having issues controlling his emotions. Here is what Michigan State coach Tom Izzo had to say about Smart concerning his on and off the field troubles.

"“Marcus Smart is one heck of a guy. I love the kid. I spent three hours with him, and he’s every bit what they say. But you know what? We all get frustrated, and I think he’s getting grilled on that. We have no way of getting away from it. When you’re in the gym, two hours, they’re yelling at you, you get away, go back to your dorm and life becomes normal. Not anymore. Those same people at that arena are now yelling at you on Twitter. You can say, ‘Don’t read it,’ but I don’t think it’s the way our kids are brought up.”"

2016-2017 Regular and Postseason Stats

Smart is listed as a PG, but could easily play SG, coming off the bench all season as Boston’s 6th man, Marcus had a great season statistically. Only in his 3rd year, Smart is the type of player to do it all, he can score, rebound, pass well, defend the wing and the post, and takes better charges than anyone in the NBA. Stats are per game.

Regular Season – 79 GP (24 GS)

| 10.6 Pts | 4.6 Reb | 3.9 Ast | 1.6 Stl | 0.4 Blk |

| 30.4 Min | FG 35.9% | 3P 28.3% | FT 81.2% |

As you can see, despite being Boston’s 6th man, Smart plays a lot of minutes. His points, steals, blocks, assists, and free-throw shooting are all career highs this season. He improved his shooting from the field but from beyond the arc he’s declined, Smart is also averaging less personal fouls, which is huge coming from Smart who is a very physical defender.

Postseason – 18 GP (3 GS)

| 8.6 Pts | 4.7 Reb | 4.7 Ast | 1.5 Stl | 0.9 Blk |

| 29.9 Min | FG 35.1% | 3P 39.7% | FT 64.0% |

This year was incredible for the Celtics, making a deep run to give young guys playoff experience. Having only played in 10 playoff games his first two years, Smart played in 18 playoff games this season. Now entering his 4th season, he’s played in 28 playoff games already.

Marcus Smart had one of the biggest games for Boston in these playoffs. When Isaiah Thomas was out injured in the Eastern Conference Finals, Marcus Smart started at PG and took over the game, leading Boston to their only win in the series. Scoring 27 points in 41 minutes, accompanied by 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 7 3-Pointers.

Here’s what Celtics Reporter Jared Weiss had to say about Smart’s breakout game.

Marcus Smart is the 5th #Celtics player to hit 6 threes in a playoff game ever. Joins Ray, Pierce, Antoine and Jae in Game 1 vs Wiz.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 22, 2017

Future with Boston

Boston has a bevy of guards, including All-Star PG Isaiah Thomas, so his status with Boston is unknown. The Celtics also have the No. 3 pick and a plethora of options this off season. Personally, I hope Smart stays in Boston, but I trust whatever decision the team makes.

Smart is a restricted free agent next year, it is unlikely he can test the market as he’s just ending his rookie contract. If Boston doesn’t trade Smart this off season, there’s a good chance he will be in their long-term plans.

It also makes sense to keep Smart for financial reasons. Boston has plenty of cap space, but with Horford on a max contract and possibly another player in the next 1-2 years on another max, the Celtics still need to be savvy on how they spend their money. Smart can play the 2, Avery Bradley is better than Smart, but value wise not so much.

Next: Celtics send No. 1 pick to Philly

Currently, everything is up in the air. If Boston drafts Josh Jackson I expect Smart to stay in Boston. Drafting a guard who can play the 1 or 2 spot might mean Smart is on his way out soon.

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