3 reasons Boston Celtics need to re-sign Marcus Smart

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics gestures in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics gestures in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 21: (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Defense

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Marcus Smart is probably the best defender in the NBA. He seems to be able to guard anyone on the court.

Whether it’s LeBron James or James Harden, Smart can lock them down.

Smart’s defense is his most valuable asset. It is what makes him such a great player. Smart can change the course of the game with a steal or by taking a charge.

We saw it last season when Smart won the game by getting in Harden’s grill and forcing him to commit 2 offensive fouls late in the 4th quarter.

The Celtics bread and butter for years was defense. Now they have changed styles, but Smart keeps everything in check.

The Celtics will have a glaring hole in their defense if Smart goes elsewhere. Their defense will suffer immediately and they will have to rely a lot on their offense. Smart allows for the Celtics to lock down opposing teams and make sure they won’t be in a shootout every night.