Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Smart said his workouts have been productive because, for the first time in months, his left ankle is not a hindrance. He suffered the sprain and a bone bruise while attacking the rim on a fast break during a Nov. 7 game against the Pacers. He returned Dec. 3 but was in pain for most of the season.
“I just couldn’t get my regular explosiveness,” Smart said. “It just wasn’t the same. I never really gave it that time to heal on its own. I was always putting more pressure on it and pushing it and pushing it.”
Smart constantly iced the ankle and received electro-stimulation and would sometimes arrive at TD Garden six hours before tipoff to loosen the joint.
“There were days I just wanted to call it quits and have my rookie season be over,” he said. “There were days where it was really bothering me to where I could barely walk on some mornings. I tried not to limp, I tried not to show it, because I didn’t want to be taken out of a game or use it as an excuse. But now I can’t really deny that my ankle played a big part in some games.”
Boston Globe – Celtics rookie Marcus Smart ready to leap into second year
Wow… ok then. It’s always fun to read quotes and comments from players once the off-season has begun and guys get farther away from a just completed season. Smart is either being real here and had one of the most devastating sprained ankles in NBA history, or he’s being a bit dramatic. While clearly blaming the ankle for any reasons why his game wasn’t as up to snuff as he’d like it to be, he’s simultaneously saying he doesn’t want to use it as an excuse. Got it. Look, Smart had a solid rookie year by any measure, but especially on the defensive side of the ball. Although I do feel his defense was also a tick overrated, as there were several nights where opposing guards had huge offensive games.
Smart’s value in and around Boston is much higher than it is outside. Just look at the things that bothered him (and are driving him this off-season): not making the rising stars challenge game, not making All-First Rookie Team, etc. While it’s tough judge any player after one season, Smart definitely has room and ability to improve. I’d like to see him drive to the basket more, using his size and strength to power to the hoop. I’d also like to see him work from the post more, again utilizing his size over other guards. That’s not to say he shouldn’t stop taking so many threes, but he’s too skilled (I think) to become a guy that just jacks up threes.
Lots of people around here see a future all-star. He certainly has the drive to become one, but leap-frogging current Eastern Conference All-Star PGs might be tough. As long as guys like Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Derrick Rose, Goran Dragic and Jeff Teague remain in the east, he has a lot of guys to surpass. You could even make cases for Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker and even Michael Carter-Williams and Elfrid Payton being ahead of him. But like I said, he certainly has the drive and potential. Let’s see if he makes that leap in his second year.
On Page 2, Stevens is just as curious as fans are about the draft
“It will be interesting to see if we use all four (picks) or not… and what happens with those in regard via trade and etc… so I’m as curious as you are. I just get a chance to talk to the guy who’s in charge of it more often.”
Rich Eisen Show, Yahoo! Sports
If the Celtics ever have a “Win a Poker night with Head Coach Brad Stevens” promotion, do yourself a favor and just say no. Stevens has a monotonous voice, and dry sense of humor that it’s nearly impossible to tell if he’s speaking in cyborg or is just being honest. I think it’s usually the latter, but sometimes you wonder. And towards the end of his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, this was one of those moments.
When asked what he expects his team to do with the four draft picks, his answer was the quote highlighted above. Now I’m sure Danny Ainge doesn’t include Stevens on every single conversation, but I think if there were a big trade on the horizon, he would know. Either way, he is correct when he stated that we are all curious to see what Ainge ultimately does with those picks. But maybe, just maybe, Stevens dropped a code to the fans with his answer. We have about a month until the draft and things are just getting warmed up.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Cliff Alexander seeks redemption
Boston Herald – Celtics Notebook: Redemption on Cliff Alexander’s mind
CSNNE – Blakely: Thibodeau just fine without injury-riddled Bulls | Celtics bring in 6 more for pre-draft workouts | Jayhawks’ Alexander looks to clear name, impress Celtics | C’s have a lot going in their favor to land Love | India’s Singh has big plans for NBA future
MassLive – 2015 NBA Draft workouts, Boston Celtics: Cliff Alexander seeking redemption; 7-foot-2 center Satnam Singh proves to be ‘very interesting prospect’ | 2015 NBA Draft prospects: Myles Turner would be an educated gamble for Boston Celtics | Maxie Esho’s Boston Celtics workout: The former Minuteman talks his commercial with Kevin Garnett, living a ‘New England dream’
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