All the attention — for better or worse — for Ime Udoka’s next few years will be on his handling of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Such is life for Boston, which boasts two All-Stars under the age of 25.
But the two aren’t the only Celtics who Udoka coached during the 2019 FIBA World Cup. That cast included Marcus Smart, Boston’s emotional leader. So while Udoka called Brown and Tatum the “pillars” of the future, don’t forget about Smart.
“He’s another foundational piece,” Udoka said of Smart on Tuesday on 98.5′s Zolak and Bertrand. “He’s been here through thick and thin and seen the winning and seen some down times. What he does for Jayson and Jaylen is invaluable in my eyes.”
According to Udoka, the relationship with Smart goes back even further than 2019. Smart was on the U.S. Select Team in 2016, which Udoka coached (along with current Celtic Jabari Parker).
Udoka said when they were scrimming the U.S. men’s national team, most of the players looked timid going up against the superstars. But Udoka said Smart was anything but afraid; as expected of the Celtics’ emotional leader.
“Marcus was a very vocal leader,” Udoka said. “He has that edge and toughness about him so the things he brings to your team are the things you love every player to bring. You hate playing against him, but you want him on your side.”
Udoka appears to be a big fan of Smart, whose future with the team is still uncertain. He’s in the final year of his contract, which makes him a potential trade piece unless the C’s decide to re-sign him. Luckily for Boston fans, president Brad Stevens is in a similar spot where he knows Smart’s impact on and off the court.
So while the headlines are still Brown and Tatum, Udoka knows all about Smart’s impact on the court (it helps that he coached against the C’s in the past two playoffs). Udoka also mentioned he’s known about Payton Pritchard for a long time being a Portland guy. He also coached Al Horford when the two were in Philadelphia together.
“I’ve spent time with all three of those guys, they all bring something different to the team,” Udoka said. “What Marcus brings is invaluable, it’s the heart and soul of the team at times.”
"smart" - Google News
June 30, 2021 at 01:51AM
https://ift.tt/3AfrbwW
Celtics’ Ime Udoka calls Marcus Smart ‘invaluable’ for Boston: ‘He’s another foundational piece’ - MassLive.com
"smart" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2P2kUhG
https://ift.tt/3febf3M
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Celtics’ Ime Udoka calls Marcus Smart ‘invaluable’ for Boston: ‘He’s another foundational piece’ - MassLive.com"
Post a Comment