Photo Credit: AARON GASH/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Advanced Stats Show Celtics Need To Bring Marcus Smart, Who Feels Insulted By The Team, Back!

One of the most important features or skills in the NBA isn’t measurable nor a stat – hustle! The importance of hustle is truly underrated, but the reason we love and value players who give their all night in and night out for our team(s).

One of these players is Marcus Smart, who’s real value can be seen if we take a look at the intangibles and the advanced stats.

The Boston Celtics played like a 56-win team when Marcus Smart was on the floor and a 48-win team when he was off, per @NBA_Math's FATS Calculator.https://t.co/Z6Xa3hx1bg pic.twitter.com/SsKXhCQ3x5

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) July 11, 2018

2017-18 Player Impact Chart for Marcus Smart… pic.twitter.com/Fp7q5IJU9L

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) July 11, 2018

Marcus Smart was top 13 in both deflections and charges drawn per 36 minutes (min. 1,000 MIN).https://t.co/obmwjToRaK

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) July 11, 2018

Smart currently is a restricted free-agent and is becoming more and more frustrated about his situation. He’s made it clear from the very beginning that he would love nothing more than to remain a Celtics player, but is mad that the Celtics apparently have not reached out to him at all since free agency started. According to Jordan Schultz, a source close to Marcus Smart says Smart has been unresponsive in the Celtics’ efforts to reach out because he is insulted by what he feels is a lack of respect by front office.

In the meantime, the Nets and Grizzlies have inquired about Smart, for a potential sign-and-trade.

Marcus Smart was born and raised in Flower Mound, Texas. In college, he played for Oklahoma State, but ever since he’s been drafted by the Boston Celtics, he’s found a new home in New England. The fans love him and the Celtics should try their hardest to keep their hustle-and-glue guy!