3 Reasons Boston will regret trading Marcus Smart

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter in game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at TD Garden on April 25, 2023 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Key facilitator on offense

Smart progressively became a better facilitator over his nine seasons with the Celtics. In the 2019/2020 season, the former sixth overall pick averaged 4.9 assists per game. By the conclusion of last season, this number had jumped up to 6.3.

Much of this evolution came out of necessity. Smart served as the primary ball handler when playing alongside Tatum and Brown precisely because the Celtics did not have a pure point guard worthy of starting.

With Smart’s departure, Boston is now down a key facilitator. Brown and Tatum have both shown an ability to be a floor general, but not on a consistent basis. Additionally, they are more suited to “finish” plays rather than start them.

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It’s entirely possible that Kristaps Porzingis will be the “steal” of the offseason, and be the piece that gets the Celtics over the hump. But even if this is the case, it will not be an easy road.

In fact, it will most assuredly be harder after losing the defensive presence, cultural impact, and ability to facilitate that Smart brought to the table for nearly a decade.

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