Stephen A. Smith approves of the Boston Celtics’ blockbuster move.
Earlier this week, Boston sent Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards in a deal for Kristaps Porzingis. On Friday’sFirst Take, the ESPN personality said the trade makes the Celtics next season’s favorites to win the championship.
While endorsing the move, Smith praised team president Brad Stevens.
“Brad Stevens was a damn good coach,” Smith said, via Inside The Celtics’ Eric Jay Santos. “I think he’s an even better executive. Some of the moves he’s made, I’m incredibly impressed with Brad Stevens. This man knows what he’s doing. And I think that when you have the chance to put Porzingis with that crew, I can’t say enough about the job he’s done. I think on paper, the Boston Celtics have elevated themselves to being the team to beat in the NBA.”
Smith thinks Porzingis is an excellent fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as a rim protector who can also spread the court as an outside shooter.
Losing Smart is a tough pill to swallow for many Celtics fans. However, Stevens addressed a team need while also acquiring two first-round picks. They traded down from the No. 25 pick acquired for multiple second-round selections.
Although the Celtics have not won a championship in Stevens’ decade with the organization, they’ve made the Eastern Conference Finals five times in the last seven seasons. Smith feels their latest move positions them well to make another deep run in 2023-24.