Marcus Smart shooting 40.6% from 3 pt line in last 9 games

[chambers]

There is hope yet.
Anyone else enjoying watching this guys impact on wins?
He has become my favorite Celtic.

[A Future of Stevens]

Given his history, we obviously need to watch more than 9 games, but like you I am optimistic about his shot. If he can become even league average at shooting, he will be a terror. He has been one of my favorites, and if it wasn't for my love fest with Brown, Smart would be my favorite. All of the little things, his defense, and his passing won me over. If he gets that shot going, watch out.

[hwangjini_1]

Ask and ye shall receive. I have been following smarts 3 point shooting for a bit and since December 23rd, he is at around 37 percent.

This is more than a quarter of a season, so moving towards a sizable sample. Still too early to be confident, but perhaps the start of a positive turnaround.

[footey]

For sure I see the improvement, not just in his 3 point shooting, but in his point guard skills, and post up skills. His overall offensive game is really emerging.  Really like his development.

[Darío SpanishFan]

Very good thread. TP to all of you for the good vibes.

A reason I have always pointed out not to trade Brooklyn picks for Jimmy Butler is to give Marcus a third year of development. DEVELOPMENT. It means not only shooting skill or technique, but also better decision-making and PG improvement. And so I stay adamant about trading for Jimmy, who would be a clear boost now... But maybe at a cost that will make us regret the trade a year later.

[hodgy03038]

Marcus really is the man. How about last night they inbounded the ball with only enough time to heave the ball from 3/4 court but Marcus took the shot not worrying about his 3pt %. Prior to that heave I think he was 3 for 3 from 3pt. Just a total team player doing whatever it takes to win without regard to stats.

[BE-Celtic]

It's surprising condidering he has played most of these games in the starting five, and therefore against better opponents.

these numbers should go down a bit but if he could stay around 36-37% this would be great. Nice post, I hadn't noticed his improvement because I couldn't watch recent games. TP !

[TheSlipperyWhistle]

It seems like he is finishing better in the lane, on post ups and floaters as well. I think he has the hand mechanics looking much better, its always been the body mechanics with him. Where his feet are placed, how high his elbows are when he starts his shooting motion, and where the ball is when he starts his shooting motion. He gets into grooves and then falls back into old habits. He has "streaky" written all over him. Still, even if he can be a streaky shooter, with all the other tools he has, he will be a hell of a player. I hope, maybe one day it all clicks and he just puts all the mechanics together for good.

[BitterJim]

Marcus really is the man. How about last night they inbounded the ball with only enough time to heave the ball from 3/4 court but Marcus took the shot not worrying about his 3pt %. Prior to that heave I think he was 3 for 3 from 3pt. Just a total team player doing whatever it takes to win without regard to stats.

And that wasn't even the best heave he was involved with that half. I loved his block on Wesley Mathews' attempted lob to end the 2nd quarter

[hodgy03038]

Marcus really is the man. How about last night they inbounded the ball with only enough time to heave the ball from 3/4 court but Marcus took the shot not worrying about his 3pt %. Prior to that heave I think he was 3 for 3 from 3pt. Just a total team player doing whatever it takes to win without regard to stats.

And that wasn't even the best heave he was involved with that half. I loved his block on Wesley Mathews' attempted lob to end the 2nd quarter

You are so right. That was great. How many times have we seen a miracle shot against us ending a quarter or a half? I don't think he was even credited with a block on that play but not sure why not.

[CelticGuardian]

Brings a tear to my eyes... Guy has been working hard.

[Clench123]

He's my favorite Celtic as well.  He's a workhorse and the things he does for this team is immeasurable.  I've been saying it for a long time, you don't trade a player like Marcus Smart.

[TheTruthFot18]

Got in an argument with a Jazz fan.

He said to call him when Smart shot better than 30% from deep and that he "peaked like a month ago".

He also claimed the Jazz win every draft pick the select and DA only drafts busts.

Told him to call me when the Jazz win a title, or better yet when the reach the finals or even the WCF. Hasn't replied yet 

[Monkhouse]

I loved Smart. I still do, and when he got drafted, I was picturing a back court in the future with James Young, who could turn out to be a 3 point specialist.

The idea of putting a bull dog and hard nosed defender who had the knack for getting to the free throw line, and underrated passing skills next to a 6'6-6'7 with a 6'11-7'0 wingspan made me drool.

Marcus Smart has become the guard version of Draymond Green in my eyes. Impact defender that can switch on 1-4, and even 5 at times. Great bounce/pocket passes, and skilled point guard decision making.

I love his fire. I love his intensity.

Now that he's finally hovering around 30.8% 3pt, and his FT is at 78.4%, I can definitely see him projecting an upwards trajectory.

[kozlodoev]

He's had these stints before. They're usually followed by a 15 games of shooting 25% from the field.