One of the biggest trades of the summer featured the Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies, with Marcus Smart heading to Memphis in a trade that got the Celtics Kristaps Porzingis.
Recently, Marcus Smart revealed that he was shocked when he got traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He noted that the Celtics told him that there were “no traded talks” that involved him, and it is clear that the franchise misled him. Bobby Manning of CLNS relayed the news.
“I went to the gym next day to get my stuff, talked to Brad (Stevens) and Joe (Mazzulla),” Smart said. “It was definitely shocking to find out that way, especially because the week before, I was already told we were good, there were no trade talks with me and we were good. I understand the business side of it, I’ve always been like that. I’m the first one to tell anyone, you can’t mix personal with business, it just doesn’t mix. I understand it’s a business. For me, it’s just the courtesy.”
Of course, the NBA is a business, and very few players are truly untouchable for their teams. Even the best stars have a price. Though Marcus Smart had a good tenure for the Celtics, even he was expendable in the franchise’s pursuit of their first championship since 2008.
This past season, Marcus Smart averaged 11.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 6.3 APG for the Boston Celtics. He is clearly one of the best defenders in the league and could be a locker-room leader for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Some Believe The Boston Celtics Are Title Favorites After Moving Marcus Smart And Getting Kristaps Porzingis
Though moving Marcus Smart hurts the Celtics’ perimeter defense, Kristaps Porzingis gives them size, rim protection, and shooting. In fact, Stephen A. Smith claimed that the Boston Celtics are the title favorites after that move.
“I think it makes them title favorites. I’m looking at every team in the NBA and I dare somebody to tell me, who can the Boston Celtics not beat? I love Marcus Smart and I’m gonna miss him, it’s a tremendous loss for them. But statistically speaking, some people say there was some slippage. I’m looking at Porzingis — their best defending field goal percentage in the NBA, I’m thinking about that. I’m thinking about the fact that he’s 7’3″ and can step away from the basket and he can shoot a j, if not a three. When I’m thinking about Al Horford and Robert Williams III, you need an additional big body.”
This past season, Kristaps Porzingis averaged 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.7 APG for the Washington Wizards, while shooting 38.5% from 3PT range. He is definitely a good addition to the team, and we’ll see how he does as a third option on the Celtics.
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