Things that are probably true about the Celtics' second unit:If, truly, Smart shooting a three pointer is your BEST offensive opportunity, then your second unit sucks beyond belief. Late in the shot clock, there's not likely enough time to find a better opportunity. Early in the shot clock? Yeah, you're probably likely to get a better shot.
- They have some offensive plays and sets that Stevens wants them to run
- They have limited experience playing together as a unit, limited experience playing in the NBA at all (lots of rookies and limited experince guys)
- Due to the schedule, practice time for the second unit is very limited
- They don't have guys who can create good shots for themselves with any regularity
Under those circumstances, I think Smart taking an open 3 isn't as bad as it looks. Or, rather, Smart taking an open 3 is as bad as it looks, but the alternative is, at best, not appreciably better. Better the devil you know...
That said, I don't think "sucks beyond belief" is a fair description of a second unit that outscores its opponents, no matter how bad its offensive production is.