Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Smart didn’t have a great shooting night — he finished 6-of-20 overall, missing eight of the 10 3-pointers he hoisted — but he relentlessly attacked the basket, which resulted in shooting 13 free throws (he made 12).
Smart was coy on how he’s improved as a driver. Asked about the keys to getting to the hoop, Smart said, “Just picking when and where to go. Especially with my size, picking my spots — the right spots.”
Does he feel more comfortable?
“Definitely. My ankle’s feeling better. I can explode a little bit more off of it. So I can get to the rim a little bit easier now.”
He proved it with a one-handed dunk during a transition opportunity on Monday. But Smart spent most of the night simply hurtling at familiar rival Dante Exum or anybody else who put themselves in front of the basket.
While I didn’t watch this game too closely (John did and his recap is here), one thing was obvious – Marcus Smart played hard. He looked like an undrafted rookie vying for the 15th spot on a roster. Respect for the intensity aside, I hope someone on the coaching staff tells him there’s no need for a flagrant foul in summer league.
One other nitpick – I’d prefer the ratio of 3 FGA to FTA weigh a bit more in favor of the charity stripe.
It’s amazing that Smart is still referencing his ankle injury from November. Sometimes we forget just how often these guys come back and play when injuries aren’t fully healed and the lingering pain impacts performance.
Related – CSNNE: Smart trying to find balance | Herald – Smart honors Bass legacy | Rozier sets pace | ESPN (In): Smart, Exum thrive by getting to the line | Mass Live: Smart shows dribble-drive improvements
On Page 2, Danny Ainge’s mindset is DDAS.
Trade season unofficially commences when clubs find out what they can, and, more importantly, cannot, get in free agency. And the Celts, with draft picks and young bodies and trade exceptions, are ready to play.
Making his current roster better is probably Danny Ainge’s second goal during this time.
The first goal?
Don’t do anything stupid.
The president of basketball operations said in the past he wants to make sure he is prepared with the proper currency if and when an impact player becomes available in trade. For example, the Celts were bogged down with aging stars and did not have the capital to go after James Harden when Oklahoma City decided it could not afford to keep him along with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the long haul.
As it stands now, the Celtics are looking at a major window of opportunity next summer. The thinking around NBA front offices is that the salary cap for 2016-17 will be around $89 million as some of the revenue from the new television deals kick in.
Cap experts are saying the Celts could potentially get themselves some $50 million under that cap to around $39 million if they play their cards properly. That means they would have the ability to sign two free agents to maximum contracts.
I’m supremely confident that Danny Ainge isn’t going to make a move, just to make a move. If that was even in the back of his mind, he would have gone for someone other than Amir Johnson in free agency.
I will say this… the GM of the Boston Celtics can’t walk into free agency next season with $50 million and come away empty handed. I don’t care if most of the other teams in the league have space, too.
July 1, 2016 is D-day for Danny Ainge.
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