Sixers

Well at Least We Don’t Have to See Marcus Smart in a Celtics Uniform Anymore

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jun 22nd, 2023 · 9:29 AM EDT

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Big NBA trade overnight:

FINAL TRADE DETAILS:

Celtics receive: Kristaps Porziņģis, 2023 & 2024 first-round pick

Grizzlies receive: Marcus Smart

Wizards receive: Tyus Jones, 2023 second-round pick pic.twitter.com/d4nW7tjlhH

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 22, 2023

First thoughts?

At least we don’t have to see Marcus Smart multiple times per year. God he was annoying. Fantastic player, hustle and grit, but annoying. He’s the dictionary definition of guy who is a total dickhead but you’d love to have him on your team. The basketball Tom Wilson or Brad Marchand, that sniveling Bostonian rat.

The thing about Smart going to Memphis is that it makes perfect sense. Can’t think of a guy who fits that team and city more than he does. Porzingis to Boston does not make that squad better, but they got two first round picks that they can flip and still have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the line. The Sixers, meantime, are devoid of assets and allegedly hoping that a soon-to-be 34 year old James Harden opts in for another season alongside Joel Embiid. The Celtics continually find ways to put themselves on the championship doorstep while the Sixers are standing at a doorstep leading to the third round but it’s blocked off by an impenetrable force field. That’s where we are as of 6/22/23.

Marcus Smart’s averages in three career playoff series wins against the Sixers:

• 2018: 33.2 minutes, 13 points, 37.5% from three, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2 steals, (4-1 series win)
• 2020: 36 minutes, 8.5 points, couldn’t hit anything from three, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals (4-0 sweep, no Ben Simmons)
• 2023: 36.3 minutes, 15.1 points, 34.1% from three, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 0.7 steals (4-3 series win)

Disgusting.