Boston Celtics: Why Marcus Smart’s trade value is so tough to gauge

The curious case of Marcus Smart and why it could prove difficult for the Boston Celtics to trade him

For a brief, fleeting moment in the 2017 NBA Playoffs, we were given a glimpse of the player the Boston Celtics hoped that Marcus Smart would eventually become.

To say his Game 3 performance against the Cavs was surprising is an understatement. In three years as a pro, Smart had never taken the leap as a shooter that some predicted when he was drafted.

Taken sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart was coming off of a year in which he hit 30 percent of his three’s on over five attempts per game at Oklahoma State. Far from great, but not terrible. Most importantly, it was enough to believe there was an improvement on the way, especially from a player as dedicated and hard-working as Smart.

Fast forward three years, and there was Marcus, hitting seven of ten from deep en route to giving the Cavs the only loss they would suffer against the East. It was a great moment for Smart, and for Boston. But one game does not a resume make.