Latest news with #MarcusSmart
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sacramento Kings' Best Move This NBA Offseason Ignores Obvious History
Sacramento Kings' Best Move This NBA Offseason Ignores Obvious History originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Sacramento Kings, according to early offseason rumors, are expected to be one of the busier teams in the NBA this summer. Advertisement The Kings very clearly need to shore up their defense and add a point guard, and players like Jrue Holiday or Marcus Smart would solve both issues, although in a very competitive Western Conference, the Kings' best course of action would be to rebuild. Domantas Sabonis, with three years left on his contract, commands a lot of value, and DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Zach LaVine all hold some value. The Kings have eight first-round picks between 2026 and 2031, although they don't have one in 2025. While tanking, building through the draft, and finding direction through youth is the smart thing to do, the Kings are in a unique situation. Apr 7, 2019; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) heads downcourt during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center.© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Kings' History Suggests a Rebuild Won't Work With the Kings, it's easy not to have faith. They have made the postseason only once since Barack Obama's first term, and their draft history doesn't exactly inspire faith. Advertisement The Kings, as expected, usually have an early draft pick, but their ability to hit on those selections leaves a lot to be desired. Such blunders include taking Marvin Bagley before Luka Doncic, Trae Young, or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, taking Davion Mitchell over Alperen Sengun or Jalen Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein over Devin Booker and Myles Turner, and Ben McLemore over Giannis Antetokounmpo. Maybe adding draft picks isn't the best thing to do, although fans can hope that new general manager Scott Perry can steer the ship in the right direction. Not so fast! Perry last served as GM for the New York Knicks for five drafts, picking players like Kevin Knox and Obi Toppin, who is solid, but not as good as Devin Vassell or Tyrese Haliburton, which is another can of worms that showcases the Kings' historical incompetence. Advertisement If a team with a proven track record of success found itself in the Kings' situation, there could be some faith in their ability to build through the draft, although Sacramento has failed at a truly remarkable rate. Check out the Inside the Kings homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: Sacramento Kings Make Coaching Decision on Friday Related: Proposed Mock Trade Sees Sacramento Kings Build Twin Towers Lineup This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might chase $76,487,996 Washington Wizards superstar to bolster squad around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers ' defensive flaws were exposed in the playoffs—particularly their inability to slow down elite guards. While Luka Doncic anchored the paint, the perimeter defense often collapsed, leaving opponents with open lanes and easy shots. If the Lakers want to contend next season, they'll need a lockdown defender who can disrupt opposing backcourts. Enter Marcus Smart —the former Defensive Player of the Year, whose tenacity and leadership could be exactly what L.A. needs. But is he worth the risk? Smart's recent injury history and hefty contract raise questions about whether he's still the same game. A proposed trade would send Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Smart. Would this move fix the Lakers' biggest weakness, or would it be another costly gamble? Let's break it down. Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need Marcus Smart The Los Angeles Lakers ' lack of a reliable point-of-attack (POA) defender hurt them in critical moments. Opposing guards consistently broke down their defense, leading to easy baskets or open shots. Marcus Smart, known for his relentless defense and leadership, could be the solution. Fade Away World proposed a trade where the Lakers would send Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the No. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 빠진 치아 있다면? 1개도 10개도 개당 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo 55 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to Washington in exchange for Smart. As the original article states: 'Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings tenacity and leadership to any team he joins. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game with the Washington Wizards. His defensive intensity and experience could provide the Los Angeles Lakers with a much-needed perimeter stopper.' (H/t: Sporting News) Smart's Recent Performance and Injury Concerns Marcus Smart (Image via Getty) While Smart's defensive reputation is strong, his production has dipped since his peak with the Boston Celtics , where he earned three All-Defensive Team selections. Injuries have also been a concern: - Played only 54 games since leaving Boston in 2022-23. - Part of a salary dump trade from Memphis to Washington. - Currently on a four-year, $76.5 million deal. The Lakers must weigh whether his defensive impact outweighs the risk of his injury history. Trade Breakdown: What the Lakers Would Give Up The proposed deal involves: Lakers Send Wizards Send Jarred Vanderbilt Marcus Smart Gabe Vincent 2025 2nd-round pick (No. 55) Pros of the Trade - Elite Perimeter Defense: Smart can guard the best opposing guards, reducing pressure on LeBron James and Luka Doncic. - Playoff Experience: Smart's leadership and toughness would help in high-stakes games. - Salary Flexibility: Moving Vanderbilt and Vincent clears cap space for future moves. Cons of the Trade - Injury Risk: Smart's recent health issues raise concerns about his availability. - Offensive Limitations: His scoring has declined, which may not help the Lakers' offensive struggles. - Contract Length: His $76 million deal could limit future roster flexibility. Should the Los Angeles Lakers Pull the Trigger? If Marcus Smart stays healthy, he could be a perfect fit for the Lakers' defensive needs. However, given his recent injury history and declining offensive numbers, the front office must carefully evaluate whether he's worth the assets. As Jon Conahan noted in the original article , 'Factor that in with some of the injuries he's dealt with... it's tough to justify the Lakers giving up too much for him.' Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to acquire $61,980,000 superstar to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic after crippling playoff exit The Los Angeles Lakers need defensive upgrades, but they shouldn't overpay for a player who may not be available when it matters most. Would you make this trade if you were Rob Pelinka? Let us know your thoughts. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Boston Globe
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
It took longer than it should have, but Celtics finally found their game to advance
Making matters worse, the Celtics couldn't hit a three and fell behind by 9 points in Game 5 Tuesday. Boston trailed, 49-47, at intermission and made . . . zero . . . 3-point baskets in the first half. It was as if Marcus Smart and Greg Kite were back in the house. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : Advertisement Hard to believe. This year's Celtics took more threes and made more threes than any team in NBA history. Jayson Tatum (35 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists) broke the ice in the second minute of the second half with a successful 3-point shot and then the Bostons overwhelmed the Magic with a hail of threes to take an 83-62 lead at the end of three. The lead swelled to 34 points in the second half. Boston made 13 threes in the second half. So there. A gentleman's sweep. Prior to the clincher, Celtic coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the 'urgency' of a close-out game. Predictably, Joltin' Joe came back with 'just focus on the things you can control,'' 'stick to the process of winning,'' and 'matchups to coverage.'' Advertisement He knew what he was doing. Orlando's physicality made this series annoying and somewhat threatening. Some of us think that injuries are the only thing that can stop the Boston juggernaut from a second straight NBA title, which is exactly why the smash-mouth Magic proved problematic. Jaylen Brown (23 points) came into the playoffs with a knee injury, but Boston sustained more gashes and bumps in the first four games vs. Orlando. Tatum suffered a bone bruise in his right wrist in Game 1 and missed Game 2. Kristaps Porzingis took a five-stitch gash to the noggin' in Game 2. Jrue Holiday missed the last three games of the series with a hamstring injury. Worse, the Magic took away Boston's 3-point weaponry in the first 4½ games of this series, perhaps giving the rest of the NBA a blueprint for stopping the Green. In this spirit, Boston needed to eliminate Orlando ASAP. Still, the Celtics came out totally uninspired. The Celtics went 0 for 3 on threes in the first quarter, committed a whopping six turnovers, got outrebounded, fell behind by as many as 9, and trailed, 27-23, after one. It was the full monty of suck. When Orlando went ahead, 36-28, in the fourth minute of the second, a disgusted Mazzulla called time. It got so bad, even Derrick White looked lethargic. The Celtics trailed, 49-47, at intermission and did not make a 3-point shot in the first half. Tatum broke the spell with a three in the second minute of the second half. The Celtics took the lead on a 3-point play by Brown a minute later. Banchero picked up his fifth personal foul on the play and went to the pine. And that was it for the Magic. Boston buried Orlando in 3-point makes and soon led by 20. Advertisement The path to a championship is not supposed to be easy. Last year the Celtics went 16-3 in the playoffs, never losing two games in a single series. It doesn't always go that way. It took the Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen Celtics a full seven games to eliminate the woeful Atlanta Hawks in the first round in Boston's championship spring of 2008. Those Ubuntu Celtics also went the full seven in Round 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That's a dangerous formula. And these Celtics know it. So now there's no more Magic. Take a few days and get some rest. Let the Knicks and Pistons beat themselves up for a couple more games. As Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson would say, we're on to New York. Or Detroit. Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at
Associated Press
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
NBA Mr. Hustle Award Winners
NBA Mr. Hustle Award Winner 2024-25 - Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors 2023-24 - Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls 2022-23 - Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics 2021-22 - Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics 2020-21 - Thaddeus Young, Chicago Bulls 2019-20 - Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers 2018-19 - Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics 2017-18 - Amir Johnson, Philadelphia 76ers 2016-17 - Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets
CBS News
07-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Marcus Smart gets into shouting match with Boston fan who "crossed the line" at TD Garden
Former Celtics guard Marcus Smart had a nice reunion with his old teammates at TD Garden on Sunday night, and a not-so-nice reunion with one Boston fan. Smart got into a shouting match with a fan behind the Wizards bench late in the game, which led to the Wizards guard being held back by teammates and the fan being ejected by stadium security. Smart did not play against his former team, as the Celtics cruised to a 124-90 victory over the lowly Wizards . He's no stranger to a little trash talk and doesn't mind dishing it right back to fans in any stadium. But on Sunday, Smart said the fan "crossed the line." The fan said something that got Smart's attention, and the shouting match ensued. While he was being held back by teammates, Smart made sure to point the fan out to security so they could escort him out of the Garden. "We all know, I don't do line crossing," Smart told reporters from the visitor's locker room . "That was it and we move on. Unfortunate, and you never want to see that, especially for a guy who's coming back and has given the city everything he has. "But it is what it is," he added. "Take the spirit. We'll take it." The altercation happened as the TD Garden crowd chanted "We want Marcus!" to the former Boston fan favorite. "Flashbacks, baby," Smart said of the crowd -- aside from that one fan. "The love is always there. From both sides, myself and the fans, the city. It's definitely emotional coming back and you try to hold it back. But I love it. I love every last bit of it. I'm a part of the city. [Was here for] nine years, a kid to a young man." Smart bled green for nine seasons after the Celtics drafted him sixth overall in 2014. He earned Defensive Player of the Year with Boston in the 2021-22 season, and was a three-time All-Defensive selection with the C's. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies two summers ago in the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston, and was then dealt from the Grizzlies to the Washington Wizards a few months ago at the NBA trade deadline. Smart spent quite a bit of time catching up with his former Celtics teammates after Sunday's game, chatting it up with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White on the court. "It's always good to keep in touch with those guys," said Smart. "Grew up with those guys. We went through a lot of battles; blood, sweat and tears. A few of those guys came to my mom's funeral. So it's a deeper bond than just basketball between us."
