Boston Celtics: 5 goals for Marcus Smart in 2017-18
By Simon Smith
3. Expand ball-handling duties
Although Irving is the Celtics’ certified starting point guard, he is far from being a traditional floor leader. And while he is most dangerous with the ball in his hands, there are times when Irving can utilized effectively playing off the ball, as he learned over last three seasons playing alongside LeBron James. This is where Smart can expand his game.
Last season, Smart averaged 4.6 assists per game, a terrific return considering Smart had a usage rate of just 18.5. Irving and Hayward are going to assume a large portion of the ball-handling duties, but Smart’s familiarity with the offense should ensure he is a more featured option.
Smart dished out six or more assists on 24 occasions last season, including a season-high 11 assists in a win against the Orlando Magic. Notably, the Celtics posted an 18-6 record over this span.
A simple example of Smart assuming the point guard duties while sharing the floor with Irving came in their most recent preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Smart bringing the ball up the floor, Irving simply slid off the ball, came up from the weak side, and caught the ball for an open 3-pointer, assisted by Smart.
Recently, teammate Terry Rozier noted Smart’s possible capabilities this season:
Terry Rozier: "You see Marcus, he got smaller. Let's bring that up. He's ready to push the ball too. We're going to be a fast team."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 25, 2017
Having the ball in Smart’s hands will not only take some of the burden off Irving, it should ensure the Celtics become less predictable in their quest to return to the Eastern Conference Finals.