3
Boston Celtics
48-24, 3rd in East
Season: 43-21
Bubble: 5-3
Playoff Match-Up: (6) Philadelphia 76ers
Sean: Marcus Smart
- I might be a biased observer but the definition of an X-factor applies directly to Marcus Smart. The stage is set for Smart to put on his best performance yet (insert flopping joke here) and lead the Celtics on a deep playoff run.
- This season, Smart has guarded the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić and Kawhi Leonard. He’s also spent time on hulking bigs like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić. Keep in mind that Smart is a 6’4 guard. Smart’s ability to play big and punch above his weight class is a luxury nobody else in the NBA can boast outside of Houston. The self-proclaimed “stretch 6” is having his best offensive season this year. However, it’s on the defensive end where he’ll make his biggest impact for the C’s play
James: Marcus Smart
- It’s not a surprise that Marcus Smart is my pick because he’s been an X Factor his whole career for Boston and I guarantee that there will be no player to match his intensity and energy on a daily basis.
- The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that he accepts his role. Most players throughout the league lack in this area and that ultimately leads to their downfall. Smart only worries about one thing and that’s winning. Defense wins championships right? I bet if you looked up defense in the dictionary and opened up the first page, Marcus Smart would be the first thing you saw.
- Not many defenders like him as I can only compare him to Pat Beverley but less talkative. That “I’m gonna get in your face and not let you breathe” mentality is a lost art in the NBA and it works every time. I don’t understand why some players shy away from this style of play.
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