It Sure Sounds like Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla is Loving Marcus Smart

"I think he's just fitting into his role."
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is in the middle of his first season at the helm and already sounds like he loves Marcus Smart. 

Smart may not be the flashiest player in the world but has made a name for himself in Boston and it sounds like Mazzulla is the latest to take an inkling to the gritty guard.

"I think he's just fitting into his role," Mazzulla said as seen on NBC Sports Boston. "We have three really, really, really good point guards and Smart spearheads that. He had 11 assists and one turnover last game and 12 assists and two turnovers tonight. When he takes pride and takes care of the ball, he's a playmaker. He gets the ball where it needs to go and then makes the right decision when he gets to the rim. He's doing a great job the last couple of games."

Smart has been known for his defensive wizardry throughout his career but also turned himself into a worthy offensive weapon. He may not shoot the lights out of the ball, but he does all of the little things for Boston. 

The Celtics don't need Smart to be the team's number-one offensive player with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the roster. Instead, Smart gets the ball where it needs to go and makes players when he needs to. 

The 28-year-old currently is averaging a career-high 6.6 assists per game through 10 games played. Smart also is averaging 11.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 33.8 minutes per game.

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Seems Encouraged By This Part Of Celtics' Early Season Play

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Grizzlies: Jayson Tatum Outduels Ja Morant as Boston Hangs on to Hand Memphis First Home Loss this Season

Exploring the Celtics' Options with the Disabled Player Exception Granted to Them for Losing Danilo Gallinari

Celtics Granted Disabled Player Exception for Danilo Gallinari

The Top 5 Plays from Saturday's Celtics-Knicks Game

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Knicks: Boston Sets Franchise Record for Threes and Saves Its Best Quarter for Final Frame

Eager to Skip Ahead to the Playoffs, the Celtics Must Not Squander the Time Leading Up to It


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

  Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on basketball and football. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University.