Boston Celtics Rumors: 2 players the team could sell high at the deadline
Boston Celtics sell high candidate No. 1: Marcus Smart
It seems like Marcus Smart has been involved in pretty much every trade rumor as of late. For a point in time, it seemed like the Celtics would be lucky to get just a draft pick in return for Smart. Now teams are trying to create a big enough trade package to entice Boston to part ways with their hard nosed point guard.
I wrote last week about how Smart has looked like a completely different player since he returned from a six game COVID absence, and he’s put the league on notice. His efficiency has improved drastically, his assist totals are up, and his defense has stayed at a high level. This is the version of Smart the coaching staff has to be hoping would show up when Smart was appointed as the point guard of this team last offseason.
If Smart keeps up his recent level of play, there aren’t a ton of reasons to move on from him at this time. However, Smart has gone through good stretches of basketball before reverting back to his old ways before, and the front office may decide this is the best time for them to deal Smart in case he falls off a cliff later in the season. And realistically, they would have good reason to make a move like that.
Despite his strong play, Smart isn’t your typical starting point guard, and the Celtics may be better off switching things up. He’s not a true playmaker, and his scoring has never been consistent throughout his career. His game is based off of effort plays and good defense, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a starting point guard nowadays. But recently, it’s worked to an extent.
Next. Time for the Celtics to give Denzel Valentine a shot. dark
Truth is, Smart really is a sixth man who comes off the bench and stays on late in the game to help you close out leads. He’s switched up his playstyle drastically to fit this role, and while the results have been good lately, it’s taken more than half of the season to get here. Who’s saying he won’t struggle over the next few weeks? Smart has played well, but this could be the Boston Celtics best chance to get a solid return for a player who once looked untradeable this season.