The Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart need each other, and they know it. And last Thursday, the team and its defensive identity worked out a four-year contract. The deal is worth nearly $50 million, and both the Cs and Smart are happy. Marcus is the senior tenured player on the roster—an ultimate glue, junkyard dog type player whose value far exceeds statistical contributions. Yes, he is at best an average shooter, but he makes three or four plays a game that help the Cs win. He is almost a sixth starter and plays around 30 minutes a night. This was a good day for the player and team. Boston is trying to win a World Championship and you cannot win one with just offense and flash. Marcus Smart can control a game without scoring ten points. He is an Olympic-level pest and the type of player every title team needs. For Celtics’ fans over 40, this is a better version of ML Carr. Younger? James Posey. The team now has much-needed, long-term security with fellow guards Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier due to be free agents after next season. This deal had to happen and credit general manager Danny Ainge and Smart’s people. I know Marcus does crazy stuff sometimes—on and off the floor. But winning matters to him. So, does being a Celtic. That’s important in today’s NBA. Basketball wise, he does not need to shoot. And on a team with offensive firepower, this is huge. On a team with stars, his energy stands out. He is also a good rebounder and passer who gets Coach Brad Steven’s offense. He loves covering big and small, short or tall. And he competes his behind off. And Marcus Smart will be in Boston for the next four years.
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September 2019
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