It was inevitable that the Boston Celtics would make some trade following their recent failure to win championship flag number 18. It was first reported that the C’s were going to trade recently acquired guard Malcolm Brogdon for Kristaps Porzingis which raised many eyebrows following his outstanding first season with the team. Brogdan, despite playing hurt during the late part of the season, was named the winner of the John Havlicek Award as the top 6th Man in the National Basketball Association. Smart, a tough-hard-nosed, all-hustle defensive specialist (last season’s N.B.A. Defensive Player of the Year), became the most expendable piece of the equation.
Smart improved as a player during his tenure with the Celtics. He was a strong voice in the locker room over his term. His sporadic play and on-court disciplinary issues (racking up too many technical fouls and suspensions) led to his release. His late-game decision-making was always in question, as was his off-court behavior. In some circles, his close personal friendship with Jalen Brown was considered a detriment.
Porzingis gives the Celtics more size in the frontcourt, something they have been looking for over the past couple of seasons. He can score, rebound, and present somewhat of a presence on defense. He has struggled with that part of the game during his career.
This move also opens up the starting point guard position for Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White, while producing more minutes for backup guard Payton Pritchard should the Celtics decide to keep him.
Marcus Smart will go to a Memphis Grizzlies team featuring Ja Morant, who will miss the beginning of the upcoming N.B.A. season due to a 25-game suspension for his second incident involving a gun. The Grizzlies hope Smart will provide some veteran leadership to their young, immature team. That is questionable, considering Smart’s volatile behavior with the Celtics.
At the other end of the spectrum are questions regarding Kristaps Porzingis. Many around the N.B.A. question his overall health and toughness. The Celtics will be the 4th team in Porzi’s 8-year history in the league. On more than one occasion, this reporter had heard knowledgeable N.B.A. insiders say “If Porzi is that good, why has he been moved this many times in his short career?”
Celtics fans will soon find out if that opinion is valid. In the meantime, Marcus Smart gets a fresh new start in Memphis with a chance to steady a talented young team. His biggest challenge will be dealing with the troubled Ja Morant when returning to the court after his 25-game suspension.
Good Luck Marcus Smart. You are going to need it.
