The Boston Celtics have been a story of this NBA season even though they failed to lift the Championship by losing to Golden State Warriors, they changed a lot of narratives. However the had several turnovers in Game 6 which led to their defeat at home. Therefore people have already started saying that opting to not play a proper point guard or a floor general hampered the Celtics.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith also believes that was the problem with the Celtics as they did not have a player who could take care of the ball. He shared how the team needs a proper old fashioned floor general, someone like a Chris Paul. he kept his point across with poise as he recognized the effort put in by Marcus Smart and the talent on offer.
“Yes, I do. And I don’t mean it in the little sense,” Smith said. “I’m not trying to throw any shade on Marcus Smart. I got a love and respect for Marcus Smart. I’m talking about a quintessential floor general.
He further elaborates the role as he points out how a player is needed in this team who can dictate the pace of the play and understands the responsibilities of each of the players and holding them accountable. “I’m talking about a floor general, with the ball in his hands, running plays, dictating pace, knowing and understanding the responsibilities of every single person on the court and holding them accountable, “ Smith added.
Smith does not want someone of Chris Paul’s level exactly but feels like someone of that sort of experience would have surely helped the Celtics as he brings up Rajon Rondo in the comparison. “A Chris Paul-type guy, I’m not talking about on his level. I’m just talking about mentality. … (Rajon) Rondo, for example. If Rondo is on the Boston Celtics right now, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown looks better.”
Smith is not wrong as the Celtics have struggled majorly in taking care of the ball and avoiding turnovers. Both their stars and Smart have been guilty of many careless turnovers which has had a massive impact on the game in the NBA Finals. So a floor general can really help the Celtics.
