4:26pm: Stevens said that Smart felt great after the morning shootaround and is expected to play Tuesday, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe tweets.
11:03am: The potential return date for Celtics guard Marcus Smart keeps getting moved up. After initially aiming to play in a possible Game 7 in the first round, Smart said over the weekend that he may actually be back for Game 6 against the Bucks. Now, it appears he could suit up for the C’s in Game 5 on Tuesday night.
As Taylor Snow of Celtics.com details, head coach Brad Stevens said Smart’s injured right thumb was re-evaluated on Monday and he has been given the OK to return, as long as he clears a few more hurdles leading up to tonight’s game.
“He still has to go through some things later this morning after our shootaround, and then we’ll see how he feels after that,” Stevens said. “If he feels good, then he’s been cleared physically to go. If he has any pain or anything comes up, then we’ll hold him out.”
Given how eager Smart has been to return to the Celtics’ lineup, it’s hard to imagine him not playing on Tuesday in Boston now that he has received medical clearance. If he’s able to play, it will be his first game since March 11 — he underwent surgery on March 16 to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb.
While Smart’s offensive numbers this season (10.2 PPG on .367/.301/.729 shooting) were modest, he’s one of the Celtics’ most important defensive players. And with Kyrie Irving sidelined, Smart’s return will help provide more depth in Boston’s backcourt, taking some pressure off Terry Rozier at the point.
I can’t see Kyrie re-signing with the Celtics next season. Something tells me he’ll sign an insane contract with the Magic and Smart will take over as the franchise guard if not Rozier.
Neither Rosier or Smart is a “franchise guard.” They’re both good, solid players. I think that it’s possible Kyrie leaves, but he’s not going to find a better situation than Boston. He’s “the man” on a team that has Hayward coming back, two studs in Brown and Tatum, and assets (perhaps including one of those two) to deal for another star. And he’ll get paid.
Rozier and Smart are not at their peaks though yet so don’t make assumptions too soon on both those guys. Kyrie Irving screams Orlando Magic, they might offer him an amount he won’t refuse to accept. He’s already Ann NBA Champion and proved he can play in the biggest stage, Kyrie just doesn’t look like he’ll be a long tenured Celtic.
I think you’re giving waaaay to much credit to Smart. Rosier…it’s perhaps to early. But Kyrie feeds off energy and passion. Orlando isn’t that kinda place.
Also, the C’s can offer him a matching deal (with a little work). Don’t see him leaving.
Orlando is not a dumpster dude, they’ve got draft picks to work with and one heck of a player to build with going forward in Isaac.
I was talking about the fan base more than the team. But if I had to compare only rosters, I’m picking Celts.
Obviously you pick Boston but Kyrie is a champion already and not even 27 yet. Isaac is going to be a beast and Orlando loves him. The kid has all the makings of a future all-star. Kyrie and Isaac would be a great duo.
You’re dreaming man.
Yea…Issac isnt better than Horford/Hayward/Tatum/Brown. Sorry bro.
Not every player wants to play with a crew of stars to win. Kyrie likes the challenge I don’t think he’s like Lebron in that aspect always looking to play with the best cast possible. Isaac really has lock down defense potential and will be a really good floor spacer going into next season. Plus he can score off the dribble, can’t wait to see him break out next season.
At this point I’m going to assume you’re the president of his fan club.
Not at all just having a good eye for the game of basketball.
I think you mean after next season. He’s already under contract with the Celtics for 2018/2019 season.
Yes after next season that’s what I meant.