Boston Celtics: 5 goals for Marcus Smart in 2017-18

One of the few standovers following a frantic offseason for the Boston Celtics, here are five goals for Marcus Smart in 2017-18.

It’s fair to say the Boston Celtics had one of the more hectic summers in recent memory.

It all started in the lead-up to the 2017 NBA Draft, when general manager Danny Ainge decided to forego the No. 1 overall selection and traded down in a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. As a result, Ainge selected forward Jason Tatum with the No. 3 overall pick.

The next step was free agency, and the signing of All-Star Gordon Hayward. Shortly after, Ainge sent guard Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forward Marcus Morris. But the exclamation point of the summer didn’t come until late August, when Ainge orchestrated a blockbuster deal that delivered the Celtics All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.

In the process of acquiring Irving, the Celtics had to give up All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas and swingman Jae Crowder. Thomas, who came fifth in MVP voting, and Crowder were vital cogs in a Celtics team that led the Eastern Conference with 53 wins.

In addition to the loss of Thomas, Crowder and Bradley, the Celtics also lost key rotation pieces in Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson to free agency. In fact, 10 of the 15-man Celtics’ roster has departed since the end of last season’s playoffs.

One of those few remaining is defensive-minded guard Marcus Smart. Entering his fourth season in the league, Smart’s presence, whether as a starter or a reserve, is going to hold even greater importance due to the volume of change in the Celtics’ roster.

Considering his status as on of the few holdovers, Smart’s contributions both on and off the floor are going to be particularly vital early in the season as the rest of his new teammates are acclimating themselves with the style of play instructed by head coach Brad Stevens.

So on the eve of the regular season, here are five goals for Smart in season 2017-18.