The Celtics are on the verge of a potentially tumultuous offseason that could bring major changes to the organization. There are questions about Brad Stevens' job security, and some calls to shake up the roster with a major trade involving Jaylen Brown.
But Kendrick Perkins has another idea: moving on from Marcus Smart.
On NBC Sports Boston Tuesday, Perkins said he thinks Smart's seven-year run in Boston should come to an end.
"I think something drastic needs to happen, and it's not firing Brad Stevens," he said, per NBC Sports Boston. "I think that Marcus Smart has ran his course. I think guys are tired of hearing his voice in the locker room. I think guys are tired of his ill-advised shot-taking at times, some of his turnovers that he has."
This isn't the first time Perkins has questioned Smart's effectiveness as a leader. Last month, he raised doubts about Smart's sway in the locker room, given the guard's inconsistent and erratic play. On that night, Smart was coming off a putrid 4-of-17 performance from the field, and got teed up. (The Celtics also suffered perhaps their most embarrassing loss of the season, a dismal affair to the woeful Thunder.)
On Tuesday, Perkins said he thinks Smart is trying to do too much. The veteran guard went 4-of-10 from the field with three turnovers in Boston's 129-121 loss to the Heat, effectively clinching its spot in the play-in game.
"If Marcus Smart could be just a star in his role, and that means bringing that defensive intensity, diving on the floor for loose balls, those hustle plays on the other end, not trying to do so much," Perkins said. "You can see it in people's body language, when he tries to do too much it deflates the team."
Given Perkins' apparent close relationships with players — remember, Jayson Tatum phoned him following his criticism — he's probably not just blindly opining about Smart bringing down his teammates. That information is likely coming from somewhere.
It's been an injury riddled season for Smart, who's missed 21 games due to a left calf tear. While his offensive numbers are in line with his career averages or even a little better (13.1 points per game, 5.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds), he's not fulfilling his familiar role as an immediate energizer and tenacious defender. Plays like his full-court steal against the Trail Blazers are becoming exceedingly rare.
With one year left on his contract, Smart appears to be movable. Boston's problems run deeper than him, but this season, the longest-turned member of the team just hasn't been part of the solution.
