Latest news with #MarcusSmart
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup Is Full Of Old-School Veterans
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup Is Full Of Old-School Veterans originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Washington Wizards are quietly reshaping their identity, not with flashy youth or a superstar trade, but by loading up on seasoned veterans to anchor a rebuilding franchise. Advertisement With the recent trade that sent Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, the Wizards' starting five now looks more like a '2017 All-Star reserves' lineup than the youthful rebuild many expected. The projected starting lineup heading into the 2025–26 season is: PG - Marcus Smart SG - CJ McCollum SF - Khris Middleton PF - Kelly Olynyk C - Alex Sarr Each of these names, aside from rookie big man Alex Sarr, has been in the league for a decade or more. The Wizards aren't building a title contender this season. They're playing the long game and using this collection of grizzled veterans as a bridge to a more promising future, both financially and on the court. Advertisement Marcus Smart, now 31, was traded midseason from Memphis last year and appeared in just 34 games due to injuries. He averaged 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 44.0% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three. Though still respected as a defensive stalwart, his availability has been a concern, playing only 54 games over the last two years. He's entering the final year of his contract and could very well be flipped by the deadline if a contender needs backcourt depth. CJ McCollum, age 33, is in the last year of his deal and is coming off a quietly efficient season with the Pelicans, averaging 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He shot 44.4% from the field and 37.3% from deep, proving he still has something left in the tank. For McCollum, this year is about proving he can still contribute meaningfully, either to earn a final major payday or land with a playoff-bound team next summer. Advertisement Khris Middleton, acquired in the trade that sent Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee, exercised his $33 million player option this offseason. The 33-year-old forward is coming off his worst statistical year in nearly a decade, 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting a paltry 27.7% from beyond the arc. Injuries and inconsistency have clearly caught up with him, and like the rest of this group, he's playing for one last payday or redemption shot in free agency. Kelly Olynyk, 34, has bounced around the league in recent years but remains a solid stretch big. Last season, split between Toronto and New Orleans, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting an impressive 41.8% from deep and 50.0% from the field. He brings leadership and shooting, both of which will be valuable for a young frontcourt partner like Alex Sarr. Advertisement And then, there's Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and the lone cornerstone of the future in this starting unit. As a rookie, Sarr averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 39.4% from the field and 30.8% from three. He's still raw but has all the tools to be a defensive anchor and multi-level scorer in the modern NBA. With Poole out of the picture, Sarr becomes the clear focal point for Washington's developmental timeline. They surely can't be as bad as last season, when they had the second-worst record in the NBA with an abysmal 18–64 mark. This version of the Wizards might not contend, but with seasoned leadership and some young spark, they should at least present a more stable, competitive product night to night. The Wizards also boast a collection of intriguing young talent — Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming draft, which could potentially be Ace Bailey if his stock continues to slide. Advertisement Any of these young wings or guards could push for starting minutes if the veterans are moved or sidelined. The Wizards Will Have A War Chest In The 2026 Free Agency Ultimately, the true genius behind Washington's sudden pivot might not be found on the court this season but on the books. The Wizards are projected to have close to $100 million in cap space by the summer of 2026. With Smart, McCollum, Middleton, and Olynyk all coming off the books after this year, the franchise will be in a position that very few teams in the modern NBA have: nearly a clean slate and a mountain of cap flexibility. That kind of financial freedom, coupled with a few foundational young pieces and a war chest of draft assets, is the skeleton of a rebuild done right. The 2026 free agent class could include All-Star-caliber talent, and with the right pitch, Washington might become an unlikely destination, especially if Sarr or Coulibaly makes the leap. Advertisement In the meantime, the Wizards will lean on old legs to stabilize a young locker room, hoping that the veterans' professionalism helps set the tone for a franchise with eyes on a much brighter, cleaner, and richer future. Related: 9 Blockbuster Trades That Could Happen On 2025 NBA Draft Night This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
On this day: Smart, Walker, Fox drafted; Perkins, Banks, Walker trade; Hewson passes
On this day in Boston Celtics history, the Boston Celtics selected two players of note in the 2014 NBA draft, held in Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The first was 6-foot-3 guard Marcus Smart out of Oklahoma State University, taken with the sixth overall pick of the draft. A native of Flower Mound, Texas, Smart fit in well and would make the 2014-15 All-Rookie Second Team in his inaugural season with the Celtics. Smart's brand of intense, all-out attack frequently saw the former Cowboy banged up with a litany of minor injuries. His professionalism and dedication would position the young guard as the "heart and soul" and unofficial captain of the team in just a few short seasons. Now with the Washington Wizards, he earned 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2021-22 All-Defensive First Teams honors along with winning the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award -- among many other honors in Boston. Boston also drafted shooting guard James Young out of Kentucky with the 17th overall pick. Young struggled at the next level despite the Celtics' patience with him over three seasons, in which the Flint, Michigan native logged 2.3 points and a rebound per game. It is also the date of the 2008 NBA draft, held at the Washington Mutual Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Boston took two players of note, the first being shooting guard J.R. Giddens, taken with the 30th overall pick out of the University of New Mexico. Giddens spent much of his time with the Utah Flash, the Celtics' NBA Development League (as the G League was called then) affiliate at the time. He would be dealt with Bill Walker and Eddie House to the New York Knicks for Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry in 2010, having averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while with the team over two seasons. Boston also drafted Turkish big man Semih Erden with the 60th pick of the draft, and Erden would go on to have a solid start with the Celtics, recording 4 points and 2.9 boards per game with Boston. He would be traded with Luke Harangody to the Cleveland Cavaliers midseason for draft considerations. With June being a popular month for the NBA draft, it is also the date of the 2003 NBA draft, held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The Celtics took three players of note, the first being point guard Troy Bell of Boston College, but was dealt on the night of the draft to the Memphis Grizzlies with Dahntay Jones (Boston's next pick in this draft, No. 20 overall) for Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins. The third player drafted was power forward Brandon Hunter, taken 56th overall. Hunter would make the team and averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game before being taken by the (then) Charlotte Bobcats (now, Hornets) in the 2004 NBA expansion draft. Two years exactly earlier, the Celtics drafted just one player of note in the 2001 NBA draft, held on this date again held in at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. That player was Lithuanian big man Darius Songaila, drafted 50th overall out of Wake Forest. He would never play for Boston, though, having been dealt for the pick that would produce Hunter in the subsequent draft. In 1996, the NBA draft was held on this date at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the Celtics selecting two players of note. The first was forward Antoine Walker, taken out of Kentucky with the sixth overall pick, and the Chicago native would go on to be elected to three All-Star teams while with Boston while making All-Rookie First Team. Walker played eight seasons with the Celtics in two stints he averaged 20.6 points, 8.7 boards and 4.1 assists over -- and would have a long, successful career afterward. Boston also took center Steve Hamer out of Tennessee with the 38th overall pick. Hamer had a short NBA career, all with the Celtics, for whom he played 35 games and averaged 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds. It is the date of the 1991 NBA draft as well -- held in the Felt Forum of New York City, New York -- in which Boston selected just one player of note. That player was small forward Rick Fox, taken 24th overall out of North Carolina. Fox would make the All-Rookie Second Team, and play six seasons for the Celtics, averaging 10.7 points, 3.9 boards, and 2.8 assists per game. On this date in 2008, the Celtics bought the contract of Henry (a.k.a. Bill) Walker from the Washington Wizards. Walker had been drafted out of Kansas State before being drafted by the Wiz that same summer and played 37 games over two seasons for Boston before he was traded with J.R. Giddens, Eddie House, and draft assets to the Knicks for Marcus Landry, and Nate Robinson. He averaged 2.6 points and just under a board per game over that period. Finally, it is also the day we lost big man Jack Hewson in 2012. A member of the Celtics in their second season of existence in 1947-48, the New Jersey native was among Boston's first draft picks as well in 1947. The Temple alum played just 24 games with the Celtics -- his entire pro career -- in which he logged 2.7 points per game. Rest in peace.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Could the Boston Celtics reunite with Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III?
Could the Boston Celtics reunite with Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III? Could the Boston Celtics reunite with Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III? The Celtics are likely going to make some significant changes to their roster to cut salary as they try to get ahead of a potentially unprecedented payroll and tax bill, meaning the roster might look fairly different for what is shaping up to be a bit of a gap year as star forward Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. The folks behind the "NESN" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Hold My Banner" show taking a closer look at rumbles such a move might not be out of the question, and what a deal bringing one of these Celtics alumni home might look like (as well as why they might do it). Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about the possibility of a Smart or Timelord reunion this offseason.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wizards looking to trade former Boston Celtics guard (report)
Marcus Smart was expected to be a veteran leader on an up-and-coming Grizzlies squad, but his stint didn't end up working out in Memphis. So, at February's trade deadline, he was shipped to the rebuilding Wizards to finish out the season in what was effectively a salary dump. Smart could be on the move again this summer. Per NBA insider Matt Moore, the Wizards are looking to trade Smart to a contender, though there's been little interest thus far. That doesn't mean Washington can't eventually find a suitor as teams look for players after the draft and free agency. Advertisement Smart, 31, is in the final year of his contract, making $21.6 million for the 2025-26 season. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists this past season in 34 games (seven starts) between the Grizzlies and Wizards. Staying healthy has been the issue for Smart in recent seasons. But if a contender is looking for guard depth, Smart could be a formidable option. He doesn't stuff the stat sheet, but as Celtics fans know, he can elevate his game in the playoffs. Smart does have some unpredictability to his game, but when it comes to being an emotional leader, Boston fans embraced him during his time with the Celtics. Smart spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Celtics after being drafted sixth overall in 2014, making the playoffs every single year. There were impressive highs, including the 2022 NBA Finals run. But after the Celtics fell short to the Heat in the 2023 East Finals, the front office elected to go a different direction. Smart was included in the Kristaps Porzingis three-team trade with the Grizzlies and Wizards that also netted the Celtics draft assets. While the Grizzlies looked like a potential contender, they've taken step backs in recent seasons. Smart only played in 39 total games in Memphis in 1.5 seasons as he couldn't stay healthy. Advertisement It's been a minute since Smart has shown what he's able to do on an NBA court. There were some light flashes in Washington, but for a young, rebuilding team, the spotlight isn't as bright like during the Celtics' deep playoff runs. So the Wizards will look to potentially move Smart as the veteran guard will hope to build up his career again. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to acquire $76,487,996 Boston Celtics star to bolster team around LeBron, Luka, and Austin and improve title odds
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, left, greets teammate Austin Reaves before an NBA basketball game with the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Image via AP Photo/Wally Skalij) The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 season with high expectations after acquiring Luka Dončić to pair with LeBron James . However, their early playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed glaring roster flaws. Now, the front office is eyeing upgrades, and a surprising target has emerged: former Boston Celtics defensive stalwart Marcus Smart. According to Bovada, the Los Angeles Lakers hold the second-best odds (+200) to land Smart, trailing only the Sacramento Kings (+150). With Washington likely moving on from the veteran guard, Los Angeles sees an opportunity to bolster its defense and add championship experience. Why Marcus Smart Makes Sense for the Lakers Despite limited playing time over the past two seasons (just 54 total games), Marcus Smart remains a proven difference-maker. His resume includes: - 2019-20 NBA All-Defensive First Team - 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year - Key contributor to Boston's 2022 Finals run The Los Angeles Lakers struggled defensively last season, ranking 18th in defensive rating. Smart's ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses would immediately address this weakness. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, center, celebrates after scoring as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, left, walks away and guard Austin Reaves stands by during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Imagr via AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) As Matt John of Athlon Sports noted in the original report: "Smart is a former Defensive Player of the Year who helped the Celtics make multiple extensive playoff runs, including a run to the NBA Finals in 2022." Lakers' Competition for Smart While Los Angeles is a strong suitor, other teams are also in the mix: Team Odds to Acquite Marcus Smart Sacramento Kings +150 Los Angeles Lakers +200 Miami Heat +350 Dallas Mavericks +500 The Kings' slightly better odds stem from their need for backcourt defense, but the Lakers' championship pedigree could sway Smart's decision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Potential Trade Package Washington isn't expected to demand a hefty return for Smart, given their rebuild. The Lakers could offer: - A future second-round pick - A young prospect (e.g., Jalen Hood-Schifino) - Salary filler (e.g., Taurean Prince) This low-risk move would allow LA to retain flexibility for bigger trades while adding a proven playoff performer. The Bigger Picture: Lakers' Offseason Strategy Marcus Smart isn't the only piece the Lakers need, but he fits their timeline. Here's why: 1. Defensive Upgrade – Smart's tenacity would complement the offensive firepower of James and Dončić . 2. Leadership – His experience in high-pressure games would benefit a roster with title aspirations. 3. Cost-Effective – Unlike blockbuster trades, acquiring Smart wouldn't gut the Lakers' assets. The Los Angeles Lakers' interest in Marcus Smart signals a pragmatic approach to roster-building. While he won't solve all their problems, his defensive intensity and playoff pedigree make him an ideal target. If Los Angeles can outmaneuver Sacramento, this move could pay dividends in their quest for another championship. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Might Sign $100 Million Brooklyn Nets superstar; Backups In Store Too? For now, all eyes are on the front office to see if they pull the trigger.
