NBA players viewed these 3 Boston Celtics as ‘underrated’
According to a recent survey amongst NBA players, a trio of Boston Celtics were viewed as “underrated.”
Who is underrated in the NBA? Hoops Hype recently posed the question to various NBA players around the league. Amongst some of the players mentioned were three Boston Celtics, two of which are new comers to the team.
While players like Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley were a couple of obvious choices, it was good to see Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward and the newly acquired forward Marcus Morris mentioned amongst the players surveyed.
Marcus Smart
When it comes to Smart, most Celtics fans already know the intensity he brings to the court. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft has found his niche as an enforcer on defense.
Smart does struggle offensively at times, but the way he competes is what stood out to one Western Conference forward who said the following:
"“Marcus Smart comes to mind immediately. That dude always competes at a high level and he makes a ton of winning plays.”"
Gordon Hayward
How can an All-Star scorer in the league be considered underrated? Well, based on the fact that Gordon Hayward played in a small market and is a mild-mannered guy on and off the court, one Eastern Conference guard feels he doesn’t get the type of attention he would get in a bigger market.
"“I’d say Gordon Hayward,” said the guard, via Hoops Hype. “He’s a quiet guy, he’s white and he played in a smaller market, so he doesn’t get the attention he deserves.”"
Hayward has certainly received some major attention and recognition this free agent period. As a prize free agent, he had his choice between the Utah Jazz, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.
Related Story: Former Boston Celtics coaches feel Gordon Hayward will ‘fit in seamlessly’
The product of the University of Butler ultimately decided to join his former college head coach Brad Stevens and the Celtics. In a city with a tradition of winning and a place where sports stars are both celebrated and scrutinized, Hayward won’t fly under the radar any longer.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Marcus Morris
The recent trade that sent Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris continue to have mixed reviews. As many believe the Pistons received the better player, one Western Conference forward believes the Boston Celtics have gotten a very good player at a cheap price financially.
"“I think Marcus Morris is really underrated,” the forward said in the survey. “He can play multiple positions and he went from being a role player to someone who scores the ball really well. When other players have made the leap, they got more attention. Take Chandler Parsons, for example. When Chandler made big strides, he got a ton of attention and a huge contract. Marcus hasn’t gotten the recognition or the payday that he deserves.”"
At just over $5 million the next two seasons, the Celtics do have a bargain in a player who has averaged 14.0 points the last two seasons.
Next: Why the Boston Red Sox should not make a trade for a third baseman
What the team hopes is that Marcus Morris will add more rebounding and toughness.