With the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected Oklahoma State point guard, Marcus Smart. The pick raised quite a few eyebrows with Celtics star point guard Rajon Rondo being at the center of numerous trade talks.
Celtics owner, Wyc Grousbeck was asked whether the pick meant anything to point guard Rajon Rondo’s future with the Celtics.
“It’s interesting. That wasn’t in the topic of conversation,” Grousbeck said. “We have confidence in Brad that he can manage a roster, but we also have confidence that, of the top-six pick, that we were going to pick the best available as opposed to try to [pick based on need]. That’s a strategy that, when you’re rebuilding a team, you take the best available athlete and then you let it all work out. We’ve got an All-Star point guard, so that’s not in question here.
“I don’t think this has any impact on Rajon at all.”
Celtics coach, Brad Stevens said he envisions Smart meshing well with Rondo in the backcourt.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt, I think they can play together,” Stevens said. “I think it will be great for Marcus to have a guy like Rondo to look up to, to learn from. Not many guys get that opportunity, especially early on in the draft like this. Marcus is another guy that I was thrilled that he was there at 6, because physically he’s ready to play and he competes every single minute of every single day. That will do nothing but help your team, regardless of what position he’s playing. I expect him to play some off the ball, I expect him to play some with the ball. But he’s a young guy. He’s going to be playing with a guy there that’s been in the league for a long time, that can really help him learn about it. I think it’s great. I think it’ll be great for both of them.”
Marcus Smart was also asked working with Rondo to which he replied Rajon reminded him of himself.
– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)
