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Should the Atlanta Hawks Sign Marcus Smart in Restricted Free Agency?

By Chris Guest

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Smart’s impact is hugely felt whenever he’s on the floor. The Celtics seemed rattled at times during their first round series with the Bucks due to Smart’s absence, and now that he’s fully back, the Celts utterly dominated the 76ers in the second round, and he played valiantly in a seven-game series loss to the defending-conference-champion Cavaliers (LeBron James, et al.).

Just watching Smart work and outwork the Cavaliers on multiple possessions is enough to make uninitiated observers believe he’s the best player on the court. His hustle, grit and intangible effort and energy plays would make him a valuable player as either a starter or a bench sparkplug for pretty much any team in the league.

Despite appearing in a career-low 54 games (and continuing to shoot a putrescent percentage from distance), Smart had one of the best seasons of his career in terms of counting stats. In his 4th year in the league, Smart put up per-game averages of 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks.

Though not gaudy numbers, that steady contribution certainly merits a bench role. Beyond those numbers is where Smart truly shines, however.

Smart is a defensive force, using his quickness, strength, feel and basketball smarts to get himself into the best position to defend across almost all five positions (and he can even guard some centers in small-ball configurations).

So, all of this adds up to say: The Atlanta Hawks should seriously consider adding Marcus Smart in free agency.

Though his offensive skill set is lacking, the Hawks seemed quite lethargic and uninterested on both ends at times during the 2017-18 season, something that Smart could never be accused of. Smart would also immediately upgrade the Hawks’ perimeter defense and perhaps light a fire under Taurean Prince, who really should be a better defender than he is.

After being ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, a report surfaced that Smart is looking for a pretty big payday this offseason as a restricted free agent:

Since the Hawks are projected to have the most cap space of any team next season, if the Celtics do not tender an offer quickly to Smart, Atlanta should put up a decent offer for a defensive-minded ballhandler who can lockdown opposing players with his athletic tools and incredible feel and energy.

Next: 12 Possible Free Agency Targets for Hawks

It’s still way too early for any free agency news, but it keeped it locked to Soaring Down South for any and all free agency and draft rumors regarding your Atlanta Hawks.