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Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart knows his worth

By Sam Minton

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 19, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 19, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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As Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart heads into the offseason, he knows how much he means to this Celtics squad.

The Boston Celtics have a big decision to make this offseason. Marcus Smart is a defensive phenom, but will his struggles on offense cause the Celtics to hold off on signing Smart to a long-term deal.

There are a lot of positives when it comes to Smart’s game. He is one of the best defenders in the league. Smart can guard almost anyone on the court. A part of Smart’s game that has made him a fan favorite is his grit and hustle. The Celtics could be up 20 points or down 20 points and Smart will be diving for loose balls and pressing on defense until the final whistle.

Still, there is one glaring issue. Smart seems to be consistently awful on the offensive side of the ball. Smart has shot 36% from the field in his 4 years in the NBA.

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Now Smart has previously said he is worth more than $14 million a year. That seems pretty steep for a specialist, but Smart reaffirmed that he knows how much he means to the Celtics.

"“I know what I’m worth. This team knows what I’m worth. And people who really know basketball know the type of player I am. So I’m not really worried about those other guys who are fake fans or bandwagon fans or into the popularity game. I know the NBA is about popularity, and I know I’m not a popular guy. My game isn’t popular. I’m not a flashy guy. I’m not trying to cross you over three or four times and make you fall. I’m trying to play right basketball, and that’s get my teammates involved whenever I need to.”"

But is he really worth it?

The Boston Celtics have to worry about not risking their future by signing Smart to an expensive long-term deal. Even though Smart is asking for more than $14 million the C’s shouldn’t pay a lot more than that. Kyrie Irving will have a player option next season and if the Celtics want to keep Kyrie in Boston they will need to pay him.

Smart is such a fun player to watch, but the Celtics can’t overpay for him. As much as I want Smart back the C’s can’t be paying close to $20 million a year for a guy who is mainly there for his defense.

Next: The story of the 2017-2018 Boston Celtics

If Smart comes back he will be a part of a team that will be a favorite in the East for years to come. If he leaves Smart may get a chance to start (probably not) and will be in a much worse situation.

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