Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens originally believed starting shooting guard Marcus Smart’s oblique injury wouldn’t be a long-term issue, with even Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge chiming in to express his lack of concern. However, after it was reported on Wednesday that Smart’s oblique contusion was actually a tear that will keep him out for four to six weeks, Stevens’ opinion on Smart’s potential injury timeline has become even more jaded.
Per Stevens, Smart’s current injury timeline is “aggressive” and it wouldn’t be surprising if the guard is out longer.
There’s little doubt that when considering Smart’s competitiveness and Boston’s impending playoff run the fifth-year pro will try to rush back onto the court.
Factor in the lack of conditioning that Smart will have during his recovery period and the rust he may show after being out for half of the postseason and there’s enough reason to be concerned with how the Celtics’ fiery guard will look when he returns, not just when he’ll be available again.
.png?w=600)
