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Boston Celtics: Re-signing Marcus Smart was a must for team chemistry

By Xaiver Aguiar

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 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 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 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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With the NBA Free Agency frenzy quieting down, Marcus Smart and the Boston Celtics finally agreed to a four-year deal worth $52 million.

Heading into the offseason there was a large question on every Boston Celtics fans mind: “what will happen with Marcus Smart“.

However, many weeks later there was still so much uncertainty regarding whether or not Smart would stay in Boston.

At the beginning of free agency, the word was that the Celtics wanted to keep Smart. Marcus also said that he couldn’t see himself anywhere except Boston. Therefore, it seemed at the right price a deal would be done rather quickly.

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That though is far from reality as president of basketball operations Danny Ainge stood back and let the market come to the restricted free agent.  It was a smart (no pun intended) move by the front office genius.

Then, the reports came out last week that Smart was “offended” that Celtics brass still had yet to reach out to him.

Luckily, that was just a false alarm. Marcus Smart came to a four-year $52 million deal with the Celtics and assures that he will be locked up for at least the next four seasons.  Smart was certainly thrilled about returning to the green once the contract extension was signed.

"“This is where I want to be, and I’m ready to put a green jersey back on and get to work,” Smart said in a statement, via Masslive.com. “I’m determined to help my teammates bring another championship to the best fans in the world.”"

The Unsung Hero

Why was locking up Marcus Smart a must for the Boston Celtics?

Smart is a player who shows that all plays don’t show up in the boxscore.

Without a question, Oklahoma State product is one of the best on-ball defenders in basketball. As a guard, Smart can play lockdown defense on anyone except centers.  Although there has been times he has stood up to big men.

Simply put, he has that “dog” in him and is a great hustler. He is the heart of the Boston Celtics and is one of the highest energy players in the NBA.

`Keeping him was a must for team chemistry. He is a fan favorite as well as the longest-tenured member of the team.

Although his offensive production may not be great, it is not as bad as some think. When he shoots within the arc, Marcus hit 42 percent of those shots (last season). He isn’t that bad of a shooter, just shoots a ridiculous amount of contested threes.

If he can work on his shot taking, Smart would easily be a contender for the NBA’s Six Man of the Year Award.

Next: Boston Celtics: 5 teams road blocking a 2018-19 NBA Finals berth

This signing ensured an energy off the bench few can match, Danny Ainge has done it again, and the Boston Celtics are officially ready for a championship run in 2018.

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