Marcus Smart Named Eastern Conference Rookie Of The Month
BOSTON (CBS) - Helping the Celtics to a 7-4 record in February, rookie guard Marcus Smart was voted Eastern Conference Rookie Of The Month for his efforts.
Smart averaged 9.8 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game and 1.6 steals per game in the shortest month of the calendar year. Smart also averaged 32.6 minutes per game, highest among all rookies in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics selected Smart out of Oklahoma State with the sixth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Smart is recognized for being a tough and physical player, something even former Celtics great Kevin Garnett has talked about.
When the Celtics drafted Smart there were questions about how he would fit with Rajon Rondo, leading some to speculate that Rondo's days in Boston were numbered to make room for the rook -- no matter how many times Danny Ainge denied it.
Smart's rookie season got off to a slow start after a left ankle injury left him sidelined for 10 games in November, but the 20-year old slowly worked his way back into the rotation once it healed.
Since the departure of Rondo and moving to the starting rotation, Smart has made more of an impact with the team while taking on an increased role.
Smart being named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month is a promising sign for the youngster, and it should provide him with some confidence as the team tries to secure its first playoff berth under Brad Stevens.
Furthermore, Smart has shown to be a key asset for the Celtics in the future.
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