After a heartbreaking loss in last year’s Eastern Conference final, Marcus Smart has been traded. Smart, who played nine years with Boston, was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a 3 team deal between the Wizards, Celtics, and Grizzlies. In return, the Celtics received a one-time all-star Kristaps Porziņģis. This trade has broken many Boston sports fans’ hearts and begs the question: how will the Celtics fare without Smart?

For the past three years, Marcus Smart has served as a strong leader for the Boston starting five, winning DPOY in 2021 and the NBA Hustle award in the 22-23 season. Smart also helped lead the Celtics to a conference championship in 2022 as well as a conference final in 2023, earning a spot in all Celtics fans’ hearts. Smart’s enthusiasm on the court was unmatched, sending spirit to all players and fans in the Garden at all times. With this trade, how will it affect the Celtic’s chemistry? Will Porzingis fulfill the shoes that Marcus Smart has passed to him?

While only being selected once as an NBA All-Star, Porzingis has made a name for himself. During his rookie season in 2015, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. This gave him runner-up as the Rookie of the Year in 2015, falling short of Karl Anthony Towns. Although Portzinigs has shown promise while he has played, he has not played as much as he should be. In the 22-23 season, Portzingis was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, leaving him unable to play during most of the season. Should we be worried about this injury, following the 2023-2024 NBA season?

Although this injury is a slight cause of concern, The Boston Celtics will be a top contender for the NBA championship this year. The Celtic’s paint game will be unstoppable with 7 foot 3 Kristaps Portzingis and 6 foot 9 Rob Williams at center and forward. The Jayson Tatum Jaylen Brown duo will continue to shine throughout the season as they have been the past three seasons. Jayson Tatum however, needs to play much more consistently this season if if they want a look at the Trophy. Jaylen Brown will also have to step up this season as a strong point guard in replacement of Smart. Without a strong leader at guard, the Celtics will continue to play their isolation-style ball which got them into trouble many times last season.

So although the Celtics lost one of their core players, they still have plenty of opportunity to make an impact on the league this season. Some say this might be the best look they’ve had in a while. In the end, it all depends on the team’s ability to adapt to this new roster and incorporate a new leader into their lineup.