Stephen A. Smith Makes Bold Claim About Boston Celtics For 2023-2024 Season

Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the Kristaps Porzingis-Marcus Smart trade.

John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

As part of a blockbuster trade, the Boston Celtics sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Kristaps Porzingis. Though the deal is being met with mixed reactions, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes it was the right move for the Celtics.

“I think it makes (the Boston Celtics) title favorites,” said Smith on First Take. “I’m looking at every team in the NBA, and I dare somebody to tell me who can the Boston Celtics not beat.”

Smith spoke highly of Porzingis’ defensive abilities, as well as his versatility on offense.

“I’m looking at Porzingis - third-best defended field goal percentage in the NBA behind Giannis (Antetokounmpo) and Draymond (Green). I’m thinking about that, and I’m thinking about the fact that he’s 7-3, and he can step away from the basket and shoot a ‘j’ if not a three.”

Smith also praised Brad Stevens for putting together a championship-contending roster.

“Brad Stevens was a damn good coach,” said Smith. “I think he’s an even better executive. Some of the moves he’s made, I’m incredibly impressed with Brad Stevens. This man knows what he’s doing. And I think that when you have the chance to put Porzingis with that crew, I can’t say enough about what he’s done. I think on paper, the Boston Celtics have elevated themselves to being the team to beat in the NBA.”

Watch the full segment here. 

Further Reading

Jordan Walsh Already Improving on Main Weakness, a Potential Ceiling-Changing Development

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Scouting Report on Celtics' Second-Round Pick Jordan Walsh

The Details about Future 2nd-Round Picks Celtics Acquired at the Draft

Celtics Swing 4 Draft-Day Trades, Add Future Second-Round Capital

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Forearm Strain

Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18