Boston Celtics: 3 players team needs step up with Gordon Hayward out

Marcus Smart

As previously stated, Gordon Hayward’s injury likely means that Marcus Smart will slide up into the starting lineup, and the team will need him to step up, particularly on offense. In Monday night’s Game 1 victory, Smart totaled just two points, going 0-for-5 from the field, and 0-for-3 from downtown, managing to get on the scoreboard with a trip to the free-throw line.

Smart’s offense has never been his strong suit over his career spanning over the past half-decade, but more so for his irritant presence on the defensive end. He made a name for himself as a pest for opposing players, but he has improved his offense significantly this season. Smart averaged a career-best 12.9 points on the season, his newfound confidence showing itself with career-high numbers in field goal attempts and field goal makes as well.

If they indeed place Smart in the starting lineup as they did when Hayward got injured earlier this season, Boston will need him to contribute some offense. Smart played fantastic in that 13 game stretch after Hayward broke his hand, scoring double figures in nine of those games.

With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker all scoring more than 20 points per game this season, Boston does not need to rely solely on Smart’s scoring. Still, it would be a much-needed boost with Gordon Hayward out of the lineup.