For Me as a Celtics Fan, I Could Care Less About Smart Signing with the Lakers – I’m Watching for the Next Breakout Star
As a Celtics fan, there’s always drama swirling around the league—who’s going where, who’s signing what, and of course, who’s joining our biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. So yes, Marcus Smart heading to the Lakers made headlines, but honestly? I could care less. That chapter closed when we traded him. The truth is, I’m far more interested in what lies ahead for Boston’s young core. For me, the real excitement comes from seeing which young player is about to break through and show they’re ready to take that next step in the NBA.
Every great team has that moment when a young guy rises from being a role player to a legitimate contributor, and sometimes even a star. We’ve seen it before—Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were once just “promising” prospects. Now they’re All-Stars. So who’s next? That’s what has me locked in this season.
Right now, all eyes should be on players like Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, or even the newly drafted prospect from this year’s class. Walsh, with his length, energy, and defensive tenacity, feels like the kind of guy who just needs the right opportunity to shine. He’s built for Boston’s gritty culture. He may not stuff the stat sheet right away, but if he can become a rotational lockdown defender, he instantly boosts our depth. It’s not flashy, but it’s how the Celtics win—tough, selfless basketball.
Queta, on the other hand, brings size and rim protection. If he can develop his pick-and-roll game and bring consistency on the boards, he could be the kind of backup center that holds things down when the starters rest. His ceiling might not be sky-high, but his floor is already useful—and that’s valuable.
Then there’s always a chance that someone unexpected takes a leap. Maybe a G-League call-up makes waves. Maybe one of our summer league standouts earns a full-time roster spot and doesn’t look back. That’s what’s fun about the preseason and training camp—you can see who’s hungry.
And let’s not forget, having veterans like Tatum, Brown, and Holiday in the locker room only raises the level of competition and development. Young players thrive when they’re surrounded by leaders who set a standard. That’s what makes Boston special. It’s not just about the stars—it’s about the system, the identity, and the next man up.
So no disrespect to Marcus Smart—I’ll always appreciate what he gave to the Celtics—but he’s not wearing green anymore. I’m not losing sleep over where he lands. What matters now is the future. And for me, that future lies in the hands of the young guns who are ready to show the league what they’ve got.
Because at the end of the day, championships are won not just with superstars, but with depth, growth, and breakout players no one saw coming. I’m watching for that.
