Marcus Smart is aware he's a polarizing player. But he's gained a little perspective over the past seven-plus seasons.
The Celtics guard remains Boston's longest-tenured player after speculation about him being moved before last week's NBA trade deadline never materialized. Smart has been involved in lots of trade rumors in recent years and admitted the chatter doesn't impact him as much as it used to.
"I don’t lose sleep (over trade rumors), Smart said Monday during a live taping of the "Old Man and the Three" podcast with hosts J.J. Redick and Tommy Alter. "Some of my teammates do. Each and every year, they're looking at me like, 'How do you do it and you’re still here?' And I'm like, 'I told you: I let my game do the talking.'"
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Smart has played very well of late, scoring 22 points in two of his last three games and averaging 14.7 points and 5.2 assists over his last six contests. He's shooting just 29.4% from three during that span, though, and continues to carry a reputation as a poor 3-point shooter.
The 27-year-old had a solid retort ready for that criticism.
"I mean, we can sit here and talk about my shooting. I’m probably not the best shooter in the world," Smart said. "But let’s not forget I still hold the record for most threes in a game in a Celtics uniform.
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"It's a popularity contest. People have guys that they like more than others, so no matter what those guys do, they’re always going to be right, and no matter what those guys do, they’re always going to be wrong."
Smart is right: He hit a franchise-record 11 threes on 22 attempts during a Jan. 18, 2020, loss to the Phoenix Suns. He also ranks fourth in Celtics history in made 3-pointers with 750, behind only Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker and Ray Allen. (He's third in 3-point attempts, for the record.)
Those stats probably won't stop Celtics fans from booing when Smart misses a 3-pointer. But the veteran guard wouldn't have it any other way.
"The way that they cheer for us at the Garden, and the way that they also boo your ass when we’re not doing what we’re supposed to do -- they let us know," Smart said.
"They keep us grounded. Only the best fans do. It’s like a good friend: You don’t want the one that always says yes; you want the one that’s gonna be honest with you no matter what. And that’s Boston fans."
Smart has his flaws, but his excellent defense, tenacious hustle and playmaking ability make the Celtics better, which explains why Boston hasn't traded him -- and why fans still like rooting for him.
Check out Smart's full interview with Redick and Alter below: