A couple of things:
1. I don’t really understand the trade in terms of value. Porzingis versus Smart. Contracts aside, who is the better player? I believe it’s very obvious Porzingis. Stats aren’t everything and often don’t accurately account for defense, but…
PER
Porzingis 23.28 (18th)
Smart 12.22 (237th)
Real Plus-Minus (includes defense)
Porzingis 5.25 (20th)
Smart 0.72 (124th)
RAPTOR (includes defense)
Porzingis 8.2 (31st)
Smart 5.7 (50th)
The Celtics are getting the better player, and not only that, the rarer player. Smart is really not a true point guard and more of a shooting guard who can play point, like a zillion other players. He isn’t an exceptional passer or playmaker. Porzingis is 7’3” and shoots over 85 on free throws and is a better 3 pt shooter than Smart (or Brown.) Plus a lot more rebounds and interior defense.
The Celtics lose a really great defender, excellent leader, but in the playoffs their achilles heel has been getting torched by the likes of Butler, Curry, etc, and losing their collective minds. I love Smart as a leader and hustle guy but I don’t think he’s so great for actual tangible value. I have to think Derrick White’s overall play is a huge factor here and his minutes will increase.
So the Celtics are getting fairly good draft capital as well? Sounds crazy. I guess it must be the contracts. Smart is cheaper (20M compared to 36M) and has a three year contract.
2. I also see this trade as a major piece of the Jaylen Brown decision due next summer. Teams will struggle if they supermax two players, but it’s still going to be worth it for some teams (like Denver) and I expect most teams will see a winning formula in building around The Big 2. The Celtics will likely need to decide in a year who is getting that offer to hopefully pair with Tatum long term.
I don’t really see this is an all-in deal where they’re just going for it but looking at the long term fit for Porzingis. It will be very interesting to see…if he plays the same as last hear I suspect the fans will overwhelmingly want him over Brown.