Marcus Smart Playing Big Role in Celtics’ 2017 Surge In East

Even in just his third year as a pro, former Oklahoma State point guard Marcus Smart has been a key cog in the Boston Celtics’ superb 2017 performance.

The Celtics are currently 50-27 this season and are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, a half game above the Cleveland Cavaliers. Smart has been a large part of that, even with lackluster shooting numbers.

As a pro, Smart isn’t known as a talented shooter. He holds a 36 percent field goal average for his career, and he is currently shooting a dismal 28 percent from three in 2017. He’s also coming off one of the worst shooting months of his career which Celtics coach Brad Stevens was asked about recently.

“I know this about Marcus and you know it too – he’ll make big ones,” Stevens told CBS recently. “I believe in him shooting when it comes to him, and obviously he’ll have to make the right decisions.”

He also makes a difference in every other area.

Even in college, Smart was known as a stat stuffer, and that part of his game has clearly translated to the NBA. Not only does Smart more than 10 points per game, but he also averages four rebounds and almost five assists per game, as well as leading the team in steals.

Marcus Smart 2017 Statistics

Smart’s rebounding ability has seen a noticeable increase. He had a crucial rebound against Miami in the closing minutes last Sunday:

??? pic.twitter.com/aR7BT9mY39

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 27, 2017

Despite shooting less than 25 percent in four of his last five games, Smart has found ways to contribute. It’s always good to see former OSU players succeeding at the next level, and Smart has made Cowboy fans proud.