Earlier this offseason, the Celtics traded longtime guard and 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal that netted them Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.
Losing Marcus Smart meant that the Celtics lost an elite perimeter defender. Smart was a guy who would guard the opposition’s best guard or wing player. There was thought of inserting NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, an above-average defender, into Boston’s starting lineup.
Brogdon was reported to be upset with the Celtics with how they handled his elbow injury last season. It was rumored that he requested a trade out of Boston this offseason. The Celtics officially bid farewell to Brogdon on Sunday morning.
Enter Jrue Holiday.
The Celtics managed to replace one NBA All-Defensive team guard in Smart with another in Holiday. They also essentially replaced a Sixth Man of the Year who was unhappy with his team with a 20-point per game All-Star caliber stretch-four in two separate deals.
In: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis
Out: Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon
Jrue Holiday is not only one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA but also brings more offensively to Boston. Holiday is a much more efficient shooter than Smart, especially from “downtown.” During his three seasons in Milwaukee, Holiday shot 39.5% from three-point range. Marcus Smart shot 33.2% over the same three seasons.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens managed to fill a hole he created earlier this offseason AND upgraded his starting point guard in the process. He also jettisoned a player who was a risk of being a malcontent in the locker room ahead of training camp.
The Milwaukee Bucks may have acquired Damian Lillard, but the Celtics acquired THE perfect player to match up with the newly acquired Bucks star.