Or that's the cause. Hopefully not.Weird given that Smart was just given a nice extension.
Or that's the cause. Hopefully not.Weird given that Smart was just given a nice extension.
Yeah, and Karalis said "it may be nothing! I don't want people to overreact. It's like when you see your friend is a little off and ask 'Hey, you okay?'"Or that's the cause. Hopefully not.
League Pass should have it.Does anybody know a way to watch the replay of the game from last night?
Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?Yeah, and Karalis said "it may be nothing! I don't want people to overreact. It's like when you see your friend is a little off and ask 'Hey, you okay?'"
But it's weird to say "don't overreact" when you go out and do a segment on it on a pretty popular Celtics podcast. *Of course* people are going to make a big deal out of it.
If he were "mailing it in" because of the contract extension, you'd probably notice it in his midsection. Smart was never the most in shape guy to begin with so his waist would be the first thing to go. I didn't see the game. How did he look physically?Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?
Weird. I mean other than the first two(-ish) passes he threw that got picked off, he seemed fine to me but I was looking more at the new and young guys rather than Smart.
Yeah, and he was diving all over the floor in a preseason game so it isn't like his energy wasn't there.Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?
Weird. I mean other than the first two(-ish) passes he threw that got picked off, he seemed fine to me but I was looking more at the new and young guys rather than Smart.
I don't have the best eye for these kind of things but he looked physically fine to me, maybe a little thinner than last year. Also, as LTP mentioned, he picked Jalen Suggs' pocket once and dove on the floor going after the loose ball - in what I think was the 1Q of the first preseason game.If he were "mailing it in" because of the contract extension, you'd probably notice it in his midsection. Smart was never the most in shape guy to begin with so his waist would be the first thing to go. I didn't see the game. How did he look physically?
So if he's "off" it's fair to say it's mental.I don't have the best eye for these kind of things but he looked physically fine to me, maybe a little thinner than last year. Also, as LTP mentioned, he picked Jalen Suggs' pocket once and dove on the floor going after the loose ball - in what I think was the 1Q of the first preseason game.
He was "off" last year to the detriment of the team (compared to previous versions of Marcus Smart, anyway).Honestly, Marcus is a fellow who bounces to the beat of his own drum and always strikes me as a bit "off"(on court). I think he uses that energy to get himself going. Dude played the last season like he wanted to rip someone's head off. Perhaps it's all the nutshots?
Playing out of position. He’s now thinking the game rather than how he would normally attack it. Please end this madness Ime!!Karalis said on his podcast today that something seems "off" with Smart. And he mentioned JB seemed to go out of his way last night answering a generic question by saying he's demanding more of Smart this season.
This was not based on just the game, said it's been last few days. He did say he could be completely off, but it seems weird to talk about it if you really think it's nothing more than a dude having a bad day or 2.Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?
Thanks for posting. Will be interesting to see if it's something or a nothingburger.This was not based on just the game, said it's been last few days. He did say he could be completely off, but it seems weird to talk about it if you really think it's nothing more than a dude having a bad day or 2.
Go to 31 minute mark:
"That's MY gig."Wait… Marcus Smart got irritated with someone for flopping? Does he think that he has a monopoly?
He was angry at Grant for doing it so badly.Wait… Marcus Smart got irritated with someone for flopping? Does he think that he has a monopoly?
Marcus is PO'd that Grant labelled himself mini-Al. The robed King doesn't like it when his minion offers his loyalties elsewhere.Wait… Marcus Smart got irritated with someone for flopping? Does he think that he has a monopoly?
line forming at BK for free fries?I have a relative who worked the NBA bubble in Orlando last year. He was running on one of the paths one day, and heard a warning from behind that someone was going to pass him. It was smart and Williams in an intense bike race. They were going top speed, and Smart was ahead. It feels as if they are like extremely competitive older and younger brothers.
They've both had their weight issues but at least with Marcus Smart we've never really had to question his drive.line forming at BK for free fries?
The cursoriness with which Hollinger pays attention to the league is always impressive. You have to try to know as little as he does when it's your full-time job.I'm not a huge fan of him, but Hollinger's preview is up for those with an Athletic subscription:
https://theathletic.com/2865703/2021/10/08/hollingers-2021-22-boston-celtics-preview-lineup-roster-prediction-did-they-fix-the-frontcourt/
He seems to think Jabari is getting cut, basically didn't cover him at all in the substantive portion (even though he covered everyone else including Hauser) only mention was in the section about how they could duck under the tax if they wanted to
Slick burn: I knew there was a reason I hated his analysis. Fifth place finish prediction? FU Hollinger.The cursoriness with which Hollinger pays attention to the league is always impressive. You have to try to know as little as he does when it's your full-time job.
I mean, the Celtics may well finish 5th, but it will have little to do with JH's "analysis."Slick burn: I knew there was a reason I hated his analysis. Fifth place finish prediction? FU Hollinger.
Not sure if someone told him to bulk up? or it was his bright idea, so he could play more 5? But I'm not sure it's a question of "drive". The front office/HC completely whiffed on their approach/personal choices at the Center position last seasonThey've both had their weight issues but at least with Marcus Smart we've never really had to question his drive.
Grant's drive could be in question given he had a chance for real minutes last year in his 2nd NBA season and he showed up out of shape. This year, he appears to have slimmed down. Maybe his drive is totally fine, but he doesn't have Smart's track record yet. Also, Fat Williams hasn't been productive. Pudgy Smart has.
I guess Ime liked what he saw from Grant in that first preseason game--he took all of Juancho's minutes, and looked like he deserved them.Thought that Grant looked fucking fantastic tonight. Definitely has more footspeed and hops than last year by a lot. Could be a useful role player. It would be nice to not dread that guy (whether him or Semi) hitting the floor this year when on ball beef is needed.
Romeo looks pretty dialed in too.
Jabari looks slower than I am. For a guy with a non-guaranteed deal, you'd expect a bit of pep in his step in preseason. Looks more cooked than a Bickfords 2AM mystery meat.
Every one of Smart’s seven assists went for 3-pointers, so while he only scored nine points, his scoring and assists were worth 28. An ability to get into the teeth of the defense and still get the ball out to open shooters, and do it accurately, is critical for a point guard in today’s league. And for Smart, this level of adjustment and control of the game is a welcome step forward from the first preseason game.
Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.View: https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1447041519798599681?s=20
John Karalis: This pass from Tatum needs to get a whole lotta love. Great recognition from Robert Williams to set that back screen to make sure Romeo got the clean look
https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2021/10/09/celtics-demand-ball-movement-from-stars-got-it-against-toronto
Don't be shocked if Smart feels some heat from Schroder, whose penetration skills are superior to Marcus. It may make Smart a little more disciplined in fulfilling his playmaker role.Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.
2 turnovers (vs. Tatum's 6) and only 2 attempted threes.Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.
Al had a great game from 3, was good as a facilitator and looked good on d. The only thing he didn't do was score in the post, I recall him missing 4 or 5 in there. I'm guessing that will come.View: https://twitter.com/Timi_093/status/1447251347640832003
Al's return raises the team's collective basketball IQ significantly, IMO.