Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart injured his left ankle during Tuesday’s practice with Team USA, with an injury fresh enough to have the six-year veteran still on the trainer’s table when practice opened to reporters.
Going into detail about the injury, Smart admits that his ankle felt sore and he took himself out of practice as a precaution, hoping to be well enough to be on the court for Wednesday’s practice.
That said, there doesn’t appear to be any indication that Smart is at risk of a major injury by returning to practice so soon.
The Celtics front office is likely holding it’s breath, with the possibility of injury always understood but with hopes it will be avoided.
However, for Smart, his chances of making the final 12-man roster could be affected by time missed, especially if his absence becomes prolonged. Centers Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks) and Miles Plumlee (Denver Nuggets) appear to be the most likely cuts, with P.J. Tucker (Houston Rockets) benefiting from the lack of forwards.
However, the international game is often filled with big men who have traditional size, so there’s potential that the frontcourt is prioritized.
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