Getting Smart with Statistics

[BaseballJones]

Why are we trying to trade Kyrie to keep Rozier though? It just makes so much more sense to let Rozier go. Kyrie is a top 15 player in the league.

Nobody is trying to trade anyone. We are Celtics fans understanding that the financial situation is such that you can't keep both. And trading Kyrie means you get much more in return than if you trade Rozier. So is Irving + whatever they get for Rozier better than Rozier + whatever they get for Kyrie? Who the hell knows.

We're just throwing around possibilities because that's what fans do. None of us is trying to trade anyone or has any influence over the actual situation.

No, I get the math.

I'm just saying they're not trading Kyrie. Or Hayward.

You're probably right.

 

[InstaFace]

Is recency bias another way of saying ignorance?

It's a way of excusing it.

There's a fair question as to who is better at defense on guards. There's no question about any other skill as to which of the two are better at it.

The problem with Rozier is that he's going to get an RFA offer for starter's money, and Wyc and co will have to decide whether to pay him that to be a backup. Yes, he may be a Jimmy G-grade backup for a position that is critical and somewhat questionable as to the incumbent, but if we're going to start paying luxury tax next year, I'm not sure I want it to be because of Terry Rozier. The longer we can stay under the apron, the more likely it is that we pay both Brown and Tatum, which I consider far more important.

 

[NoXInNixon]

Kyrie's value is probably low right now because he missed this year's playoffs with an injury. Rozier's value is as high as it will ever be. You trade the asset that is at peak value.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Kyrie's value is probably low right now because he missed this year's playoffs with an injury. Rozier's value is as high as it will ever be. You trade the asset that is at peak value.

Ainge it not a commodity trader. If someone offers real value of Rozier or a package built around him, then fantastic. But if the return is shit, TR will be here another year. Either is very possible IMO.

 

[nighthob]

I have my eye on Orlando, they have been trying to find a lead guard forever, and they have a lot of bigs with a top 6 pick in a big man draft. If someone like Jackson slipped to 6th, I could see a deal like Rozier/Sacramento pick for Jackson plus whatever.

Alternatively I could see a deal built around Rozier for Isaac and a future first if the new mismanagement is eager to put their stamp on the franchise and begin turning the page on the past.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

The problem with the Rozier situation is that his contract and skill set are better suited to a likely playoff team looking for another piece to increase their chances next year (and then potentially to use his Bird Rights to re-sign him long term), but the Celtics would rather trade with a bad team with high current and future draft picks that doesn't really need Rozier next year.

Take the Magic, for example. I agree in a vacuum Rozier makes sense on that team, but why would they give up anything for him when they can simply make him an offer in a year? It's not like they are going to be contending next year regardless so I don't see why they would particularly care whether they had Rozier starting next year or the year after, especially given the picks/players they would need to give up to get him a year early.

I guess if the Magic or someone else get worried that Rozier will be traded elsewhere and immediately sign an extension, thus taking him off the 2019 market, they might be willing to trade something but as good as Rozier has been recently I don't really see a bad team being willing to give up significant assets.

To the extent there is a Rozier trade, I think it will be for future picks a year or two down the road with a team that still thinks it can compete but that Danny projects to be getting worse.

 

[chilidawg]

The problem with the Rozier situation is that his contract and skill set are better suited to a likely playoff team looking for another piece to increase their chances next year (and then potentially to use his Bird Rights to re-sign him long term), but the Celtics would rather trade with a bad team with high current and future draft picks that doesn't really need Rozier next year.

Take the Magic, for example. I agree in a vacuum Rozier makes sense on that team, but why would they give up anything for him when they can simply make him an offer in a year? It's not like they are going to be contending next year regardless so I don't see why they would particularly care whether they had Rozier starting next year or the year after, especially given the picks/players they would need to give up to get him a year early.

I guess if the Magic or someone else get worried that Rozier will be traded elsewhere and immediately sign an extension, thus taking him off the 2019 market, they might be willing to trade something but as good as Rozier has been recently I don't really see a bad team being willing to give up significant assets.

To the extent there is a Rozier trade, I think it will be for future picks a year or two down the road with a team that still thinks it can compete but that Danny projects to be getting worse.

For one, he's an RFA next year, so the Celtics can match.

Also, since there's a Rozier trade thread, maybe this discussion should go there?

 

[dhellers]

Perhaps I got carried away. Sometimes it is best to play your cards, rather than reshuffle the deck -- and it sure seems like now is one of those times.

BTW: do you recollect big trades after the arrival of KG et al?

I think the card playing analogy isn't the right one because it assumes an option to either play a card or hope to get lucky.

Trading Rozier is about the belief that Rozier is significantly more valuable to other teams than he is to the Celtics. That belief is based on a combination of an expectation of limited playing time being available next year and an inability (really, presumed unwillingness) to pay to keep him long term. A team with a starting role for him and with salary space to pay to keep him should place a much higher value on him than his value to the Celtics is.

The Celtics, health permitting, look to be set up for a long run of being a perennial contender. Adding long term value at the expense of next year makes sense in that position, almost without qualification. If we we're approaching the end of a window, this would be a very different conversation because then burning long term value to keep the window open a little longer would be much more justifiable.

To put this back in the cards context, it's like trading a good card from a great hand for the ability to add a bonus card of questionable quality to each of your next 4 hands.

Though this should be in the Rozier thread, I reiterate my formal point -- the onus is on the "trade Rozier" camp to prove that it is worthwhile. "about the belief" and "adding long term" value are (at best) speculations. They have weak power -- in the sense of providing robust evidence that the gain (long term or short term) overrides the status quo good odds of winning in 2019.

More germane to this thread: it seems that paying Smart a healthy salary (perhaps well over $10 million/yr) is no longer objectionable?

 

[Big John]

I would like to know how winning a few championships, and being in the finals for 4-5 years in a row, affects the equity value of a typical NBA franchise. Presumably it goes up. How much luxury tax should an ownership be willing to pay to remain a perennial contender?

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I have my eye on Orlando, they have been trying to find a lead guard forever, and they have a lot of bigs with a top 6 pick in a big man draft. If someone like Jackson slipped to 6th, I could see a deal like Rozier/Sacramento pick for Jackson plus whatever.

Alternatively I could see a deal built around Rozier for Isaac and a future first if the new mismanagement is eager to put their stamp on the franchise and begin turning the page on the past.

That seems like selling low on Isaac. I'd be pretty happy with that return. I think Isaac is a promising player.

 

[NoXInNixon]

Though this should be in the Rozier thread, I reiterate my formal point -- the onus is on the "trade Rozier" camp to prove that it is worthwhile. "about the belief" and "adding long term" value are (at best) speculations. They have weak power -- in the sense of providing robust evidence that the gain (long term or short term) overrides the status quo good odds of winning in 2019.

But we can't prove that without knowing what the gain is. Yes, Terry Rozier is a valuable player. If he's on the team next year, he will make the team better. All the trade talk is based on the idea that some other team will value him enough to get back a lottery pick. If that return isn't available, they should absolutely keep him. But if you can package him with assets to get Dallas' or Orlando's pick this year, that's worth it.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

For one, he's an RFA next year, so the Celtics can match.

Also, since there's a Rozier trade thread, maybe this discussion should go there?

RFA isn't relevant in Rozier's case. Ainge/Wyc are not matching a 4/$60m for him to backup Kyrie. It's either keep Rozier for one year while getting zero in return or moving him early while getting a return. If Smart is signed long term it will almost certainly be the latter as it doesn't make any sense to not get a return on Rozier to keep him as your 4th guard.

Should someone lose their mind and offer Smart the moon then it becomes more likely Rozier returns in a 3rd guard role at 25-28 mpg.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

RFA isn't relevant in Rozier's case. Ainge/Wyc are not matching a 4/$60m for him to backup Kyrie. It's either keep Rozier for one year while getting zero in return or moving him early while getting a return. If Smart is signed long term it will almost certainly be the latter as it doesn't make any sense to not get a return on Rozier to keep him as your 4th guard.

Should someone lose their mind and offer Smart the moon then it becomes more likely Rozier returns in a 3rd guard role at 25-28 mpg.

He is a good insurance policy on Kyrie. (Although not a necessary one if they are able to keep Smart). I'd trade him if there is good value to be had, but there are worse things than letting him play out the string and leave if the trade value is marginal.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

He is a good insurance policy on Kyrie. (Although not a necessary one if they are able to keep Smart). I'd trade him if there is good value to be had, but there are worse things than letting him play out the string and leave if the trade value is marginal.

I don't disagree with this position IF there is only marginal value coming back. I also don't believe Ainge will make a trade prior to knowing that his guy will be on the board (if it's for a pick in the '18 draft). That is why I specifically mentioned Charlotte at 11 for Sexton to be an ideal 4th guard (assuming Smart signs) with similar style of play while setting the rookie clock back 3 years on the position.

As has been said upthread, nobody is clamouring for Rozier to be traded this summer only discussing the best options for Ainge in the near future as everyone recognizes we won't have all 4 of our guards past next season.

 

[pjheff]

RFA isn't relevant in Rozier's case. Ainge/Wyc are not matching a 4/$60m for him to backup Kyrie. It's either keep Rozier for one year while getting zero in return or moving him early while getting a return. If Smart is signed long term it will almost certainly be the latter as it doesn't make any sense to not get a return on Rozier to keep him as your 4th guard.

Isn't there a third option: that Ainge/Wyc match his RFA offer so as to create a salary slot that can be potentially traded for another cornerstone player? One of the challenges of such an acquisition currently, say Kawhi, is the payroll lacks midrange contracts to make the salary swap work. That's why we see proposals that include a conga line from the back end of the bench. A resigned Rozier (or less likely Smart) could help mitigate that challenge moving forward while also offering depth and insurance in the short term.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Isn't there a third option: that Ainge/Wyc match his RFA offer so as to create a salary slot that can be potentially traded for another cornerstone player? One of the challenges of such an acquisition currently, say Kawhi, is the payroll lacks midrange contracts to make the salary swap work. That's why we see proposals that include a conga line from the back end of the bench. A resigned Rozier (or less likely Smart) could help mitigate that challenge moving forward while also offering depth and insurance in the short term.

I don't see this as an option as you'd be biting yourself in the foot by accelerating the start of the repeater tax clock which is a major factor in how Ainge builds this team moving forward. I also don't consider Kawhi an option as we are loaded with 3 star/future star players of our own as his wing position in Hayward, Tatum and Jaylen with two on their rookie deals.

 

[PC Drunken Friar]

I was thinking something like Irving + Boston's 1st rounder in 2018 for Jordan (contract expires after 2018-19), and the 12th and 13th picks. From a picks standpoint, it seems like a lopsided deal for Boston, but usually moving up to those kinds of picks isn't anything like moving into the top 5. Plus, the Clips would be getting hands down the best player in the deal. For the Celtics, they could snag Porter or Sexton or Bridges (Villanova) or Knox or Trent Jr. Lots of ways to add quality talent. Then Jordan's salary goes away after the 2018-19 season (or maybe they turn right around and trade Jordan before the season even starts...who knows - it would be an expiring contract and that's valuable). Such a deal would allow Rozier to start, and ultimately it would clear cap space for Smart as well. And they'd add two young guys with talent with the 12th and 13th picks.

The Clippers get the best player in the deal (and that's always a good thing). I dunno. None of us knows what any of these guys are thinking or what the market looks like.

This is also assuming that the 12th and 13th picks in the draft will be incredibly valuable.

Since 2010, the best players picked there have been Steven Adams, Kelly Olynyc, the other Morris Twin, Devin Booker Sarcic, Zach Lavine and Donovan Mitchell.

Zero all-star appearances (though that will change). A couple gems, for sure, but most likely you are picking and hoping for a contributor. There's also a very good chance that you get nothing from the pick.

Irving is so much better than Rozier. Unless the Celtics doctors are saying the knee will never heal, you can't trade him.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I don't disagree with this position IF there is only marginal value coming back. I also don't believe Ainge will make a trade prior to knowing that his guy will be on the board (if it's for a pick in the '18 draft). That is why I specifically mentioned Charlotte at 11 for Sexton to be an ideal 4th guard (assuming Smart signs) with similar style of play while setting the rookie clock back 3 years on the position.

As has been said upthread, nobody is clamouring for Rozier to be traded this summer only discussing the best options for Ainge in the near future as everyone recognizes we won't have all 4 of our guards past next season.

Actually, I'm kind of clamoring for him to be dealt - if Ainge can get fair value in return. I really like these Big Wing lineups that the Celtics have used a lot this year, and needing to find minutes for Irving and Rozier kind of undoes that, especially if Smart (whom I'd like to see re-signed) comes back. But I'd still rather keep Rozier than deal him just to deal him.

Edit: I should add, if moving up to 11 to draft a player Ainge wants is an option, I'm for that.

 

[lovegtm]

Actually, I'm kind of clamoring for him to be dealt - if Ainge can get fair value in return. I really like these Big Wing lineups that the Celtics have used a lot this year, and needing to find minutes for Irving and Rozier kind of undoes that, especially if Smart (whom I'd like to see re-signed) comes back. But I'd still rather keep Rozier than deal him just to deal him.

I'm not sure which thread to discuss this in, but those lineups have been a revelation in the playoffs. I'd go so far to say that their success may have altered the Celtics' team-building plans, especially since Tatum and Brown are looking more like potential #1/#2 playmaking options than before. Add in Hayward, and you can make some ridiculous lineups with shooting and playmaking at every position, in which everyone is over 6-7 and huge.

Danny (used as a metonym for the Cs' front office) has been really good at adjusting to situations as they change, rather than being anchored to the past. The clearest case of that was the Kyrie deal, in which he avoided fixating on either IT's past performance or the Nets', and in the process got a step ahead of Cleveland.

Going into these playoffs, it was an open question whether the big wing lineups could score (everyone knew they could defend). Now that we've seen what they can do under pressure, and with the prospect of adding Hayward and more mature Tatum/Brown to that, I'd be surprised if Danny wasn't exploring ways to deploy that setup more often. That would mean that dealing one or both of Kyrie and Rozier is very likely on the table and being explored internally, just because of their price tags and the defensive constraints they impose. Rozier is a plus defender, and Kyrie is decent when healthy and engaged, but they don't let the Cs create these devastating "no weak links" lineups.

So, prediction: if the Celtics make the Finals and take 2+ games off the Warriors/Rockets and look competitive in the process, Kyrie gets dealt.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I have my eye on Orlando, they have been trying to find a lead guard forever, and they have a lot of bigs with a top 6 pick in a big man draft. If someone like Jackson slipped to 6th, I could see a deal like Rozier/Sacramento pick for Jackson plus whatever.

Alternatively I could see a deal built around Rozier for Isaac and a future first if the new mismanagement is eager to put their stamp on the franchise and begin turning the page on the past.

I don't think it's clear Isaac can play---and thus, this is giving up a downgrade on picks in order to take a gamble on a player improving a lot. I wouldn't do it, and would rather ride out Rozier and see if something develops next year at deadline and keep what is likely the better pick.

Obviously, if someone is higher on Isaac I get why the big is a nice get for our 'extra' guard. But still not sure I'd do it given the likely pick downgrade

 

[HowBoutDemSox]

I'm not sure which thread to discuss this in, but those lineups have been a revelation in the playoffs. I'd go so far to say that their success may have altered the Celtics' team-building plans, especially since Tatum and Brown are looking more like potential #1/#2 playmaking options than before. Add in Hayward, and you can make some ridiculous lineups with shooting and playmaking at every position, in which everyone is over 6-7 and huge.

On a recent podcast, Zach Lowe was practically salivating over a lineup of Smart, Brown, Tatum, Morris and Horford that could switch literally every time and have a credible defender no matter who th matchup was.

 

[nighthob]

I don't think it's clear Isaac can play---and thus, this is giving up a downgrade on picks in order to take a gamble on a player improving a lot. I wouldn't do it, and would rather ride out Rozier and see if something develops next year at deadline and keep what is likely the better pick.

Obviously, if someone is higher on Isaac I get why the big is a nice get for our 'extra' guard. But still not sure I'd do it given the likely pick downgrade

To be clear, I see the options as Rozier/Sacramento 2019 for #6 or Rozier for Isaac+. Alternatively, as I mentioned in the other thread, I could see a Rozier/Sacramento 2019 for Isaac/future Orlando #1, but Rozier for Isaac+ seems the most likely.

 

[chilidawg]

On a recent podcast, Zach Lowe was practically salivating over a lineup of Smart, Brown, Tatum, Morris and Horford that could switch literally every time and have a credible defender no matter who th matchup was.

When Cleveland goes big with Thompson, Love, and James, that lineup struggled until Baynes went in for Tatum. I love that lineup though, or having Rozier in there for Smart. I think you'd see a lot of it against GS or Houston.

 

[InstaFace]

apparently after game 2, Jaylen Brown said that "Marcus Smart was born with his hands dirty".

I feel like that quote needs to be logged here.

 

[Reverend]

apparently after game 2, Jaylen Brown said that "Marcus Smart was born with his hands dirty".

I feel like that quote needs to be logged here.

I am retyping the line, "Marcus Smart was born with his hands dirty," just in the hopes of more permanently imprinting it onto my brain.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

To be clear, I see the options as Rozier/Sacramento 2019 for #6 or Rozier for Isaac+. Alternatively, as I mentioned in the other thread, I could see a Rozier/Sacramento 2019 for Isaac/future Orlando #1, but Rozier for Isaac+ seems the most likely.

Ahh, that makes more sense. I don't think I'd do Rozier/Kings for 6 unless it was an on-the-clock deal and 'our guy' was there. But I see the argument, especially if you really believe in the Kings improving (which I do not currently)

Rozier for Isaac + has the problem that Rozier is a present asset and Isaac only the hope of being one, but I get why we might take that shot give Isaac's theoretical fit and Rozier's limited future with Celts

 

[nighthob]

Isaac has already shown 3&D ability. And on a dysfunctional squad at that. Here in Boston apprenticing under Horford I have considerably fewer worries about someone of his length/athleticism hitting his ceiling as a 3&D center. And someone that can handle the continuous switching given his quickness.

 

[Van Everyman]

 

[InstaFace]

 

[the moops]

With all the talk in the other thread about exploring a Kyrie trade to hand the keys to Rozier, when you see Smart have games like this, I think he could be the starting PG (only semi-serious). Smart/Brown/Hayward/Tatum/Horford is such a ridiculous switchy defensive lineup, that you could take the shitty shooting percentage from Smart and still come out on top. he takes care of the ball better than Rozier, is a better passer than Rozier, and is far better defensively. You hope that the ISO, we need a shot here, would fall on an even better Tatum and Hayward, with Smart and Brown camped in opposite corners.

 

[Sprowl]

he takes care of the ball better than Rozier

Does he? Assist-to-turnover ratios say otherwise:

regular season / playoffs:

Rozier 2.9 / 4.67
Smart 2.01 / 1.97

 

[Cesar Crespo]

He's definitely a better playmaker than Rozier but he does not take care of the ball better. Rozier is one of the best in the league at taking care of the ball.

Smart's TO % since entering the league: 14.4, 11.7, 15.6, 18.4.
Rozier's: 14.7, 9.7, 8.5.

 

[DJnVa]

he takes care of the ball better than Rozier, is a better passer than Rozier, and is far better defensively.

We'll allow a mulligan on this one, but didn't Rozier go like 464764 straight games without a 4th quarter TO?

 

[lovegtm]

We'll allow a mulligan on this one, but didn't Rozier go like 464764 straight games without a 4th quarter TO?

I count any Rozier layup attempt as a turnover.

 

[DJnVa]

I count any Rozier layup attempt as a turnover.

And Smart jumper?

 

[amarshal2]

And Smart jumper?

Checkmate

 

[Devizier]

This turned into the Kyrie admiration thread quickly

 

[Sprowl]

And Smart jumper?

That's more of a bounce pass.

 

[lovegtm]

That's more of a bounce pass.

A winning bounce pass.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Rozier threw a nice lob to Horford last night to break up a long scoring drought for the Celtics.

Apparently he can throw a decent lob in transition, but not in half court PNR.

Of course, it might have been a badly missed shot... (kidding)

 

[Jimbodandy]

Every time I see a PNR cutter going to the hoop wide open with Rozier pounding the ball into the 3PT line, I think "Marcus would have gotten that guy a dunk". It bugs the shit out of me. But Marcus throws a lot of balls away, and Terry wastes very few.

You take the bad with the good with Marcus. He'll make point guard passes and is a legit switch against almost anyone. He credibly covers 1-4 and doesn't embarrass with the occasional 5 switch even. He makes huge plays at the end of games. He brings a lot of toughness and on-court direction of the defense. I love Marcus.

But let's not make him into something he's not. He is a poor shooter and is prone to turnover sprees like he's playing with a blindfold.

Rozier's weakness in switching on bigger players hurts him the same way (but worse) as Avery before him and similar to Kyrie. Big guys will back him down and shoot right over him. Brad came up with some creative approaches in game five that hid some of that temporarily, but it's a problem that Marcus doesn't have. Smart is beefy enough and crafty enough to hold his own more often than not.

I love that Rozier has the capability to go nuts and drop a crapload of points on someone from time to time. But for this team, I think that Marcus is a better fit.

 

[Swedgin]

On of his recent pods, Lowe mentioned the possibility of Smart playing on the qualifying offer next season. While its a huge risk, Smart seems like the personality type to make that kind of bet on himself. There will be a lot more cap space in 2019 and there are only handful of quality guards available on the unrestricted market. (Kemba, Lin, Rubio) and none of those guys provide his skill set.

 

[TripleOT]

Today is the anniversary of the Game 5 close out massacre the Cavs laid on Boston last year. It would be so sweet if Boston gets it going early and the Cavs lay down in front of their home crowd.

Of maybe just another "Marcus Smart Game" like game 3 in Cleveland last year.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

On of his recent pods, Lowe mentioned the possibility of Smart playing on the qualifying offer next season. While its a huge risk, Smart seems like the personality type to make that kind of bet on himself. There will be a lot more cap space in 2019 and there are only handful of quality guards available on the unrestricted market. (Kemba, Lin, Rubio) and none of those guys provide his skill set.

This would be a foolish decision on his part unless Rozier is traded with the logjam for backcourt minutes. The downside is another injury while the upside is limited without other Celtics injuries.

The general rule of thumb in this league is to take it while you can get it especially in a situation when you aren't going to get the minutes to put up huge numbers. Smart should jump at the 4/$32m MLE offer (or whatever it amounts to) this summer.

 

[the moops]

Smart should jump at the 4/$32m MLE offer (or whatever it amounts to) this summer.

If the full MLE is the best offer Smart gets (and it may very well be), he will be back on the Cetlics. Can't see them not matching that. Especisally considering that gives them some salary to trade should a blockbuster option arise.

 

[nighthob]

If the full MLE is the best offer Smart gets (and it may very well be), he will be back on the Cetlics. Can't see them not matching that. Especisally considering that gives them some salary to trade should a blockbuster option arise.

I think it's the most likely scenario. Even if Boston trades Rozier on draft night, because then the rest of the league will know that Boston will match every reasonable offer and slightly beyond such for Smart and that they're going to have to throw out 80% max money in order to poach a sixth man off Boston's roster.

I'm fully expecting to see Boston sign Smart to something like 4/44 and a 28 page thread full of shrieks (similar to the noise after the Bradley & Crowder deals) here the next day.

 

[Jimbodandy]

I think it's the most likely scenario. Even if Boston trades Rozier on draft night, because then the rest of the league will know that Boston will match every reasonable offer and slightly beyond such for Smart and that they're going to have to throw out 80% max money in order to poach a sixth man off Boston's roster.

I'm fully expecting to see Boston sign Smart to something like 4/44 and a 28 page thread full of shrieks (similar to the noise after the Bradley & Crowder deals) here the next day.

This is probably dead on, every part of it.

4/44 is not onerous. Could likely be moved easily anytime, if necessary. And the uproar would be fantastic.

 

[Swedgin]

This would be a foolish decision on his part unless Rozier is traded with the logjam for backcourt minutes. The downside is another injury while the upside is limited without other Celtics injuries.

The general rule of thumb in this league is to take it while you can get it especially in a situation when you aren't going to get the minutes to put up huge numbers. Smart should jump at the 4/$32m MLE offer (or whatever it amounts to) this summer.

I don't disagree with you. Nerlens is front and center as a cautionary tale. And its not like there is a long track record of guys taking the QO and then getting a much better deal than was reportedly on the table. The only two I can recall are Monroe which lead to his deal with the Bucks and Ben Gordon getting overpaid by Dumars. But given the comments from his agent after they failed to reach a deal on an extension and Smart being Smart (See e.g. his shot selection, "just putting that out there" etc), it strikes me as a real possibility.

 

[ishmael]

This is probably dead on, every part of it.

4/44 is not onerous. Could likely be moved easily anytime, if necessary. And the uproar would be fantastic.

Crazy that 4/44 is reasonable for Marcus and also realize that IT is closing out the final year of his deal that paid him $9M less for one extra year. Talk about missed windows...

 

[Sox Puppet]

Smart on his contract expectations:

'"To be honest, I'm worth more than 12-14 million," Smart told ESPN. "Just for the things I do on the court that don't show up on the stat sheet. You don't find guys like that. I always leave everything on the court, every game. Tell me how many other players can say that."

Smart was told many of his teammates defended his 1-for-10 shooting in an excruciating Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night by insisting he is the heart of their team.

"That's what people say," Smart said. "I'm not sure if you can put a price on that."