It's Time for Captain Smart

Captain Smarf

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

  

     The Celtics are one of the most historic franchises in the NBA, over the years there have been many all-time greats who have worn the green and white. The list of players who have held the title of captain for Boston is a pretty elite list. The Boston Celtics have had only 15 players named captain in the franchises' existence, and none since Rajon Rondo in 2014. The list includes Hall of Famers such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Larry Bird. 

    Marcus Smart has been apart of the Celtics franchise since 2014-15 and has made the playoffs every single year he has been in the league. Smart is 5th in team history in three pointers, 9th in steals, and 6th in steals per game. He is continuing to climb in many other statistics as well. He is the unofficial leader of this team, and easily the longest tenured. He is respected by his teammates and his coaches alike.

    Brad Stevens' has said before that he doesn't like the idea of captains, because he would rather see a team full of leaders rather than just one individual. If there is anyone who Stevens' would be willing to name captain, I almost certainly think it would be Smart. Marcus Smart has been named captain before, as he was named co-captain of Team USA a few years ago, along with teammate Kemba Walker and Jazz star Donovan Mitchell. Smart has matured as player and as a leader under Stevens, and I think he is very deserving of this title. 

    Naming someone a captain midseason would be very strange, so I'd like to see this before the start of next season. The biggest reason I believe this may not happen is, Marcus Smart enters the final year of his deal next season. It would make very little sense to name someone captain who is not under contract for at least a few years. I would like to see Smart get an extension for another three or four years, before the start of next season.  He is a player fits in to almost any lineup seamlessly, with his ability to shoot, defend multiple positions at an elite level, and create shots for others. He is someone who will continue to be an incredible role player alongside Brown and Tatum. So if they are able to get a deal done, it would be awesome to see Captain Smart for the '21-'22 season and beyond.