Boston Celtics: 3 regular season goals for Marcus Smart in 2018-19

Boston Celtics: 3 regular season goals for Marcus Smart

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the second 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, MA – MAY 27: (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. NBA all-defensive team

Defense has been a key to Smart’s play since arriving in the NBA. At 6-4, Smart has bodied up to opposing team’s point guards to the likes of LeBron James. And he’s been successful at, guarding everyone else in between in the process.

Smart has averaged 1.5 steals in his career and does a great job at help defense as well. Plus, he’s not afraid to get in there and mix things up by taking a charge.

This style of play might have contributed to a few more injuries last season, but there’s no reason to stop going all out. In fact, as long as the Boston Celtics stay healthy, Smart might even give more focus to defense this upcoming season.

All the more reason it should be a goal for Smart to join Al Horford on the NBA All-Defensive team. (Horford made the second-team last season.)

Versatility and physicality are two of the best traits to Smart’s game. Even if his scoring stays steady (or even drops slightly), reaching NBA all-defensive team levels will keep Smart valuable.

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And if he becomes more efficient on offense, well, that’s just a cherry on top of the cake.

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