The Boston Celtics parted ways with a few familiar faces after their trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but some are returning for next season. One of them is Marcus Smart, who shared the progress he made this offseason. In a report by The Boston Globe, Smart said he lost 20 pounds in the last two months. The shooting guard revealed that he is in the gym "nonstop" and is on a diet to take care of his body. He also said that it is a "different" him as he is "more explosive" and "healthy."
In the report, Smart also stated that he is ready for a "larger role" with the Celtics.
It is something that he will possibly get following the departures of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley, who were his backcourt buddies for the past three seasons. Last season, the 23-year-old played his best year so far for Boston. In 79 games (24 starts), he averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per outing. All of those numbers, except at the rebounding department, are career-bests for him.
Uncertain starter
Smart is ready to have a bigger role, but this does not guarantee him a starting job in Boston. ESPN suggested that he will likely compete with Jaylen Brown in training camp, to determine who is the starter at the shooting guard position. Brown is entering only his second season with the Celtics, but he has already shown tremendous potential.
During his rookie year, the 20-year-old immediately became a key piece off the bench for head coach Brad Stevens. He had averages of 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Smart's biggest advantage in a potential contest with Brown is his experience.
Missing IT and Jae Crowder
Smart is the latest member of the Celtics to air his thoughts regarding the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade.
He said Thomas and Jae Crowder are going to be "greatly missed" in Boston, though he understands the business aspect of it. He is also looking forward to playing alongside Irving, who he thinks has similarities with Thomas. He sees both as tough guards, who are capable of scoring and taking over a game "especially in the fourth quarter."
Smart will have a chance to work out with Boston's new star point guard later this month when training camp begins.
The new-look Celtics are hitting the court for the first time on October 2, when they host the Charlotte Hornets in their first preseason game of the year. Their regular season opens on October 17 as they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena.
