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Boston Celtics: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

By Tevin Williams

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Smart shots

Since he made his debut back in 2014, Marcus Smart has never been known for his shooting ability. He has shot just 35.8 percent from the floor and 29.1 percent from downtown for his career, and he didn’t improve on those numbers last season.

Smart averaged a career-high 10.6 points a game last season, but he still shot just 35.9 percent from the field and made only 28.3 percent of his 3-pointers. Smart came off of the bench and played a lot of minuets while Isaiah Thomas was resting, leading him to attempt a lot more pull-up jumpers and bailout shots. This season, Smart will join Irving and Hayward in the starting lineup, which should ease his load offensively.

Smart has probably been working on his jump shot since he’ll see more minutes on the floor, but he isn’t going to become Ray Allen over one summer. Marcus Smart can excel by taking open shots and leaving the bailout attempts to Irving and Hayward.

With more star power in Boston, Smart will receive more open looks. He has to knock down his 3-point shots in order to create more spacing in Boston’s offense. The key for Marcus Smart is to only take the easy opportunities, or smart shots, if you will.

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