Boston Celtics: 3 players most impacted by Kemba Walker blockbuster
What should the Boston Celtics do with Marcus Smart?
Does the Kemba Walker deal make Marcus Smart even more of a trade chip or does it mean the Boston Celtics longest tenured player will assume primary point guard duties?
We all know what Smart can do defensively, but does his value increase offensively without a starting point guard?
More from Boston Celtics
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
- Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
- Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule
Over the years, Smart has excelled more as a backup point guard and two-guard whether it was Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving or Walker running the show. His ability to be the playmaker allowed each of those players to be scorers when he was on the court, but is he capable of being the primary ball-handler?
Unless Yan Mader and Payton Prichard leap expectations even more, Smart will have to take on those duties until or unless the team either signs a starting caliber point guard or trade for one.
If they trade for one, Marcus Smart is the most valuable trade asset left so it shouldn’t be a real shock if Brad Stevens and the Celtics find its time to move on from a player who has really been the heart and soul of the team for the past few seasons.
Next. Boston Celtics rumors: One Luka Doncic trade Mark Cuban, Dallas cannot resist. dark
It is for that reason, a trade may not be the popular choice amongst fans, but if it is a move that makes the team better, Stevens has to pull the trigger, especially given that Smart will be entering a contract season.
As an unrestricted free agent in 2022, it may be in the Celtics best interest to get something for him now rather than risk losing him in free agency. The Kemba Walker deal certainly pushes the conundrum surrounding Marcus Smart even more in the spotlight whether they keep him or trade him.