Charles Barkley Shares His Take on Celtics' Decision to Trade Marcus Smart, Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics traded Marcus Smart to add Kristaps Porzingis, a gamble they believe boosts their championship odds.

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The Celtics shook up the core of their roster this summer, trading the longest-tenured player on the team, Marcus Smart, who helped the franchise reach the playoffs each of his nine seasons in Boston.

In exchange, the C's acquired Kristaps Porzingis in this three-team deal while sending Smart to the Grizzlies.

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The move centers around a three-pronged gamble, including the hope this will sufficiently address what's recently plagued the Celtics the most in the playoffs.

In an appearance on The Ringer's Bill Simmons podcast, Charles Barkley shared his perspective on Boston's decision.

"I think it's worth the gamble," stated the Basketball Hall of Famer. "He doesn't have to be your best player. He doesn't have to be your second-best player."

Barkley also voiced the Celtics are again one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, and he credits Joe Mazzulla for helping their chances of capturing Banner 18 by adding two of the NBA's top assistant coaches, Sam Cassell and Charles Lee, to his staff.

Those moves were among the most important Boston made this summer, and for a team this talented, it could prove one of the difference-makers in propelling the franchise from contenders to champions this season.

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