The Celtics will have a tough time replacing the injured Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup with the Cavaliers but don’t expect interim starter Marcus Smart to shy away from the opportunity.
“Everybody has to step up once again. This is an opportunity for everybody to make a bigger impact on the game,” Smart told A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England. “It’s devastating not to have Isaiah. Not just because of his scoring ability, but just because he’s a big part of our team. He’s one of our brothers and he’s down. We understand it. We respect everything that he’s done. But now is the time for everybody else to step up.”
In 15 postseason games for the Celtics so far this season, Smart has averaged 7.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. More important than any statistical contribution, however, is his presence as a disruptive, physical force.
As we wrote yesterday, Thomas has been ruled out for the remainder of the postseason and Blakely shares that the guard will take the next few days to discuss his injury with hip specialists.
Blakely also notes that the absence of Thomas will allow rookie point guard Terry Rozier to see more time on the court, a bittersweet gift for the Ohio native.
I’m personally shocked at how well he’s played tonight. I think this is exactly what Ainge saw when he drafted him.
Terry Rozier isn’t a rookie
My Knicks need him :)
Crowder and Smart for Melo straight up? Knicks can then draft Monk, and Boston gets a real 1st option in Melo to go with Fultz and Thomas.
The math doesn’t work
Wouldn’t do that I’m sorry but Melo is a bum now a days I would rather keep Crowder he’s not better but he can still give you 20 every once in awhile and he always shows up to play in like Melo where he only shows up when he gets his way
Nope. Pass. Maybe one of them for Melo but not both.
Melo for a team he allows them to pay his max contract is all is needed. Porzingis -Melo-#8 overall pick for Jaylen Brown-#1 overall pick-trade exception and a Sign and trade of kelly Olynick
There is your fireworks plain and simple! Plus with some creativity they can sign Gordon too.
Isaiah-Avery-Porzingus-Horford-Gordon
Melo off the bench as the 6th man