The Boston Celtics had to deal with a tough situation five days ago dealing the “heart and soul” of the team in a three-way trade. This trade saw Smart go to the Grizzlies, Muscala and Gallinari to the Wizards and Porzingis to the Celtics. Despite trading next to nothing for a fringe all-star, this trade hurts a lot of fans’ hearts. How does this trade affect the Boston Celtics as we say bye to Smart and Welcome Porzingis?
The trade left many fans with a bittersweet taste in their mouth. On one hand, the Celtics acquired 2015’s fourth overall pick, but had to send out their longest tenured player. While not only hurting fans’ feelings, the departure of Marcus Smart leaves a huge gap in the Celtics’ offense and defense.
Smart, most known for his defensive capabilities, will be a huge loss for Boston’s incredible defense. During his tenure in Boston, he earned an All-Rookie team, three-time All-Defensive NBA team nods, and a DPOY in 2021-22. For the last two years, Boston has been the 2nd (2021-22) and 3rd (2022-23) best defense in the league. Without Smart, the Celtics defense will notably be worse off.
Smart also provided Boston as a great passer and shooter. Every year Smart has been in the league, there has been an increase in his assists per game. This isn’t just because the Celtics put shooters around him, but because he’s grown into his role. This past season he provided Boston with 6.3 APG, the most of his career.
Shooting has always been a question for Smart. Although he’s been shooting a high number of threes since he first arrived in the league, the questionability of the shot attempts has been raised. However, this year he shot an EFG% of 51%, but only hitting 33.6% from range. Although many fans hated the heavily contested heave, it will forever be in our hearts.
Porzingis has averaged just under twenty points per game through his entire career, with his highest scoring season being the 2022-23 season with Washington. However, the circumstances will be wildly different and Porzingis will become a third option behind Tatum and Brown.
After his time with the Knicks, Porzingis found his true role at center over power forward. He’s a big man that can stretch the floor though, making 2.2 threes last season from 38%. Other than that, he had 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. His biggest and most questionable ability will be his availability.
He’s likely to fit into a starting role at the center under Joe Mazzulla, with Robert Williams III pairing with him in the front court. Al Horford will most likely be coming off the bench with his veteran experience and age to lead the bench next to Malcolm Brogdon.
Although it’s hard for Celtics fan to say goodbye to the heart and soul of the team, they have to look forward to the future. The trade that saw them acquire Kristaps Porzingis is nothing but good for their future. Porzingis gives Boston the height and big that fans have been demanding for years, while patching up a little of the defensive hole Smart left.
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