By Joe Areano

In the 2014 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics selected Oklahoma State point guard, Marcus Smart with the 6th overall pick. This pick has caused much controversy between Celtics fans, as the Celtics already have an outstanding point guard in Rajon Rondo. Danny Ainge, the Celtics general manager, has faced scrutiny for this pick from both fans and national NBA analysts. This is because Rajon Rondo is the best player on the team, so the question is why draft another player at that position when they desperately need a big man? The reason simply is because Marcus Smart was the best overall player available to the Celtics at the time. Smart who is 6’4”, 225 pounds guarded every single position while he was in college. The Celtics desperately need a big and versatile defender who can play multiple positions.

The Celtics defense was not good at all last year. The most likely answer would be to get a big center; however, Marcus Smart was one of the best defensive players available. During his freshman season, Smart averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3 steals a game. He lead the Big 12 in steals that year with 99 . His excellent rebound and steal numbers indicate how fantastic of a defensive player he is. Additionally, he was a very good scorer, so he can help out the celtics at both ends of the floor. Last season, Celtics ranked only 13th in defensive points allowed and only 26th on total offensive points. Marcus Smart can contribute to improving their defense with his extraordinary athletic ability and scoring which was indicated from his college career.

Experts may think the Marcus Smart was a bad pick because Rajon Rondo plays the same position.  However, as the Boston Globe reported, “Brad Stevens thinks the two can play together”. Marcus Smart played both point guard and shooting guard in college. Also, because Smart is so physically big, he can defend bigger position other than point guard. Not only can the two play together but Marcus Smart and Rondo can improve each other’s games. Rondo can mentor Smart by helping him understand the offense from his experience and help Smart get open shots.  Smart can help Rondo with his energetic style of play allowing the celtics to play fast break basketball, which is where Rondo excels in pushing the offense to get open baskets.

Marcus Smart still makes perfect sense to draft even for the people who don’t believe that he and Rondo can play together. This is because of Rondo’s current status as a Celtic. Rondo is 28 and is coming off a huge knee injury and a broken hand. Not to mention Rondo’s contract expires at the end of the year and he can leave if he wants. Even if they end up not playing well together, Marcus Smart is security for the future. He is a rookie and far from entering his prime, while Rondo is coming towards the end of his prime while coming off major injuries. It may have appeared that a point guard wasn’t a need, but if Rondo  leaves, Smart is a great plan for the future.

Smart has the potential to be the perfect Celtic. His most impressive quality is his mentality to win. Boston.com states “Smart’s winning mentality, competitiveness, toughness, and leadership traits. He is hell-bent on being the absolute best he can be. No questions or concerns over work-ethic, heart, shape, or confidence.” That is was what the city of Boston prides itself on. Watching  players who represent their city. In which he will work his tail off just like they do. And after a lackluster season for the celtics, thats all you can ask Smart to do. Just bring leadership and energy. Make the fans proud. Smart is mature and ready to play. Many college players leave after two years and some having growing pains. Smart decided to play two years so he could develop his game and become a leader. Smart will make the Celtics a better team.