The case for trading IT:
1) He is probably at the apex of his trade value. He is 27 years old which is not young for the NBA. He is currently riding an incredible hot streak of offense, posting career highs in pretty much everything this season. There is some reason to believe he will not age well. By several metrics he is a very good player, but very unusual in that he is amazingly good offensively and horrendous defensively, with the difference still having him come out as a net positive. Given his stature it is intuitive that his defense is a major drawback, and I dont see that improving. On the other side of the ball, he relies on his quickness and body control getting past the first man and then using his amazing finishing ability. What will happen when the quickness gives a little bit?
2) It makes sense for the Celtics to trade him while his value is peaked. This team, though fun to watch now, is not a serious championship contender, and would not be one likely until after he signs a new less team friendly contract, which will likely include his waning years which may not be pretty. The timing does not make sense. Furthermore, it seems Marcus Smart is developing into a legitimate creator at point guard, while in the front court in two years we will have an old Al Horford and then question marks.
Discuss.
1) He is probably at the apex of his trade value. He is 27 years old which is not young for the NBA. He is currently riding an incredible hot streak of offense, posting career highs in pretty much everything this season. There is some reason to believe he will not age well. By several metrics he is a very good player, but very unusual in that he is amazingly good offensively and horrendous defensively, with the difference still having him come out as a net positive. Given his stature it is intuitive that his defense is a major drawback, and I dont see that improving. On the other side of the ball, he relies on his quickness and body control getting past the first man and then using his amazing finishing ability. What will happen when the quickness gives a little bit?
2) It makes sense for the Celtics to trade him while his value is peaked. This team, though fun to watch now, is not a serious championship contender, and would not be one likely until after he signs a new less team friendly contract, which will likely include his waning years which may not be pretty. The timing does not make sense. Furthermore, it seems Marcus Smart is developing into a legitimate creator at point guard, while in the front court in two years we will have an old Al Horford and then question marks.
Discuss.