NBA: Seven Players That Need To Have Bigger Roles In 2015-16

Oct 10, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) makes a move between Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) and guard Louis Williams (23) in the fourth quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 116-109. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics

When the Boston Celtics drafted Marcus Smart with the No. 6 overall back in 2014, it became clear at that point he would be their point guard of the future, despite Rajon Rondo still being on the roster.

When the team got rid of Rondo, its last core player from their NBA Championship contending run, it became evident that the mantle had been handed to Smart for the foreseeable future. Smart became a starter but his play wasn’t anything as expected, which led the team to acquire Isaiah Thomas from the Phoenix Suns.

This season though, Smart is expected to make a serious jump from his erratic rookie year. He dealt with injuries, benching and iffy shooting throughout his fresh campaign. Coming into his sophomore season after a dominating summer league, Smart need to begin to show glimpses of future All-Star caliber talent throughout the year.

Boston will need him to improve his shooting, decision making and play-making abilities to improve off their somewhat shocking playoff run in 2015. Smart also needs to better this season because of the drafting of Terry Rozier. With Smart battling Thomas and Rozier for minutes, he’ll need to show head coach Brad Stevens he can be depended on. It’s now or never for Smart.

Next: The Big Stiff