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Marcus Smart has never seen “Demolition Man.” He wasn’t born until the year after the Sylvester Stallone-Wesley Snipes film hit theaters. But his new ’do, a faux-hawk with lighter coloring on top, bears more than a little resemblance to that worn by Snipes’ character, Simon Phoenix.
“It’s just for the fun of it,” Smart said after the Celtics’ last full workout before heading to summer league. “Just trying something new. Why not, right? It’s not bad.”
Shown a still from the flick on a smartphone, Smart pointed out that he’s not nearly that light up top. But as he prepares himself for a second season in the NBA, Smart seems more able — both physically and mentally — to become a demolition man for the Celts. And maybe even take on the nickname. “Demo” for short, anyone?
With Injury Behind Him Marcus Smart Ready For The Next Step-Steve Bulpett
Sorry, but I don’t particularly care for the “Demo” nickname. However I do like the way things are shaping up for Marcus Smart. After an injury shortened rookie season, an injury by the way which looked like a season-ender at first, Smart is getting ready to lead the Celts’ Summer League squad into action tomorrow night. Despite one huge mistake while in college, Smart definitely has shown the characteristics it takes to be a leader. And with 4 fresh faced rookies (3 of them guards) on the roster, (for now) Smart will have plenty of opportunities to teach and mentor. The Celtics will also expect a lot out of Smart on the court once the 2015-16 campaign begins. The ankle injury behind him, Smart welcomes the pressure, and I for one believe he’ll rise to the occasion. So does Smart.
“Definitely,” Smart said. “Last year, my ankle injury held me back from a lot of things. I couldn’t do a lot of things that I was capable of doing in college, like getting to the rim. It kind of slowed me down. Now that my ankle’s healing up, I’m getting to the rim. I’m beating people off the dribble and making plays like I was in college.
“It just feels good. And I understand there’s going to be a lot more expected out of me this year, so I’m just trying to get better as an individual and for the team.
“No doubt about it. I’m probably my biggest critic. That’s just how I was raised. That’s just the type of competitor I am, so I do expect a lot out of myself.”
I know the Celtics shot themselves in the foot as far as the draft goes by making the playoffs. It was the absolute worst case-they squeaked in with the 7th seed, killing any chance of a high pick and then to add insult to injury were swept by the Cavs, BUT…and I know how the old saying goes: “anything after but is bullsh*t”, but hear me out. That playoff experience is invaluable. It also gave Smart and his young colleagues a little taste of the big stage, and left Marcus craving more.
“You watch the Finals, and it’s no wonder why those guys are there,” he said. “The superstars, they’ve worked. They’ve been doing it the right way. So as a young player coming in, you look at that and that’s what you want to be. You try to follow in those footsteps and work like that.
“You want to sit down and watch it as a fan, but you find yourself analyzing it. Like, ‘OK, this is how they guarded that, and that didn’t work. How would I guard it?’ You put yourself in those situations and try to figure out how you should handle them.”
Smart and his mates play their first Summer League game tomorrow night at 10pm EST in Utah. Here’s their roster courtesy of CSNNE:
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Presseying The Issue|Globe: Sunday NBA Notes|ESPN: Lakers Closing In On Deal For Hibbert
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