Speaking to reporters following Saturday’s practice, Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens says he’s “under the impression” guard Marcus Smart will make the trip to Milwaukee but makes it clear that Smart won’t be playing in either Game 1 or 2. Smart is two weeks into his initial four-to-six week injury timetable.
On Friday, Smart was filmed sprinting at practice, showing significant progress in his recovery process.
Smart has been a de facto coach for the Celtics while injured, which has led to Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge requesting that Smart be on the bench when Boston was facing the Indiana Pacers on the road in Games 3 and 4 of the first round. A player that Stevens considers to be one of, if not the most advanced young defenders he’s ever coached, Smart’s defensive awareness and passion continue to fuel the Celtics even while he’s out with injury.
Known to call out plays and player movement before it happens, Smart is perhaps the most valuable defender on the team because he doesn’t just have the basketball IQ but the defensive technique and athletic ability to be an elite defender on the perimeter or in the post.
Smart’s move to the starting lineup early in the season was the catalyst for Boston breaking out of a funk that saw them winning just half of their first 20 games and his evolution as a three-point threat has made him a bonafide 3-and-D player. When he returns to the court, which could be in this series if it lasts through Game 7, the Celtics will have even more swagger in their step, bolstered by the confidence and competitiveness that Smart brings.
