Boston Celtics fans have plenty to discuss following a critical assessment of former star Marcus Smart, delivered by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. Favale has ranked Smart as the second-most overrated player of the last half-decade in the NBA, placing him behind only Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. This analysis sparks a wider conversation about Smart’s current role and future with the Celtics, particularly given his recent contract move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smart’s time with the Celtics was marked by significant defensive contributions, culminating in a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021-22. However, recent performance and a decline in athleticism have led experts to question his value. Favale’s assessment highlights a concerning trend: Smart’s shooting efficiency has significantly regressed, placing him far below average among players attempting a high volume of shots since 2020-21. Specifically, his effective field goal percentage sits at 50.1, ranking him 143rd out of 155 players. This is a significant drop, reflecting a change in his offensive game and potentially impacting his overall effectiveness on the court. The Celtics are now evaluating whether this decline is a temporary setback or a sign of a more fundamental shift in his abilities.
Beyond his shooting, Favale raises concerns about Smart’s ball control, suggesting he was sometimes miscast as a primary playmaker during his prime. While acknowledging that Smart’s teams often performed better with him on the court, the expert contends that his defensive legacy hasn’t fully translated into sustained impact. The immense responsibility he carries – a hallmark of his time in Boston – is now being scrutinized, even recalling his 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year season. The debate over whether he was the most valuable defender on his own team is now a central topic of discussion, considering his limited availability in recent years, appearing in just 54 combined games across the last two seasons. This limited availability is a critical factor, as it prevents him from consistently showcasing his defensive prowess and impacting the game on a regular basis.
This critical assessment comes as the Celtics navigate other roster decisions. The team recently appeared to make a decision on veteran center Al Horford following his latest move. Meanwhile, former Celtics starting center Robert Williams III, an All-Defensive Second Teamer during Smart’s Defensive Player of the Year season, faced limitations to just 61 healthy games. This restricted his consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing how player availability significantly impacts individual accolades. The Celtics are continuing to monitor key players and make strategic moves as they aim for continued success. For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.
