Marcus Smart in Purple and Gold
What is this world even coming to?
Let me start by saying how happy I am for Marcus Smart to have an opportunity to play meaningful basketball again. Through no fault of his own, Smart was left wandering in the NBA wilderness following the unceremonious end to his Celtics’ tenure. No one, least of all the Wizards, wanted to see Smart wearing whatever colors the Wizards wear this season. In that light, going to Los Angeles is a much-needed reprieve for a player who has more to offer a contender than a rebuilder.
Allow me to further suggest how genuinely wonderful it is for one of Smart’s primary superstar antagonists over the years – Luka Doncic – to actively recruit him to join his squad. What a compliment to Marcus, who made a career out of hounding the biggest and brightest stars the league has to offer. If anyone deserves another chance at experiencing a second act, it’s Smart.
That said: Did it really have to be the Lakers?
Not that anyone can blame Smart for signing with Los Angeles. You would too. Anyone in his situation would do the same. Playing with Luka and the Lakers at this stage of a veteran’s career is a no-brainer, especially for someone like Smart whose career prospects seemed headed down the mentor path if not for some divine intervention.
Long sigh. Deep breath.
Seeing Marcus in that Laker uniform is going to leave a mark. For a long time, Smart was one of the most endearing things about the Celtics. He somehow stayed the course from the early days of Brad Stevens through the Isaiah Thomas era, the Kyrie Irving epoch, the Kemba Walker interlude, and the Jayson/Jaylen singularity. It’s a pity that Smart’s time with the C’s had to be sacrificed at the altar of Banner 18, but it was also a necessary price to secure the long-awaited championship.
To be sure, Smart owes the Celtics nothing. He gave Boston his blood, sweat, and guts, but most of all, he gave the Garden his heart. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Please enjoy the Marcus Smart Experience, LA. He’ll wear you out even when he’s playing well, but he’ll always give you everything he has.
For paid Hoopology subscribers, thoughts on Damian Lillard going home, Chris Paul and Bradley Beal in LA, and something buzzing in Charlotte.
