Marcus Smart has been with the Boston Celtics for the last seven seasons. The 27-year-old was rewarded by the organization for his loyalty this Free Agency. Celtics signed Smart to a four-year extension.
Smart’s contract is worth $77.2 million and locks him with the team until the 2025-26 season. The news was followed by mixed reviews from NBA pundits. While some believe that Boston spent a little over budget, few believe he has earned it.
Looking at Smart’s stats, he averaged a career-high 13.1 points per game along with 1.5 steals per game. Considering Boston already has two stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, his stats are amazing for a supporting player.
Additionally, Smart’s impact on the defensive end of the floor is too valuable for the Celtics. Come playoff time, great defense can tilt any given match in your team’s favor and Marcus Smart has that weapon in his arsenal.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith talked about Smart’s extension. He believes that Smart not only deserves the contract he earned, but he deserves more.
“There is no way that Marcus Smart should be getting less than $20 million a year,” said Smith on his show. “That’s right, I said it. You didn’t expect that? Did you? You though I was going to go off the other way. Saying he was overpaid, but ain’t no way I’m saying that. Because Marcus Smart is a starter on a perennial playoff team, a seven-year veteran, 27 years of age, a former first-round draft pick, and most importantly one of the elite defenders in the game of basketball. And he’s getting less than $20 million a year in today’s NBA economy?
There is NO WAY that @smart_MS3 should be getting paid less than $20 Million a YEAR. pic.twitter.com/LWhrVpOntq
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 18, 2021
The only big flaw in Smart’s game is his low shooting percentage. However, he can make it up with his work rate and defensive presence on the court.
During clutch situations, the Celtics can rely on Tatum or Brown to make the shot. But to save it, on the other end, that’s when Smart’s value balloons up.
Do you think Smart should have gotten a better contract? Or is he getting paid enough? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
