CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Today, many consider Smart’s new contract as an overpay. It won’t be long until it will be viewed as a bargain

Averaging just 10 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game on 48% true shooting last season, Marcus Smart’s statistics don’t exhibit the true value that he brought to the table. His defensive versatility, knack for passing and character off the court were vital to the Boston Celtics success.

Reports have surfaced Thursday morning that Smart’s camp and the Celtics have agreed upon a 4-year, $52 million contract.

Restricted free agent Marcus Smart has agreed to a four-year, $52M deal to return to the Boston Celtics, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2018

Countless media members and fans were more comfortable with Smart simply accepting the qualifying offer, worth about $6 million for just one season. Due to the $13 million average annual value, many in the community view the deal as an overpay.

The truth is, Smart is still only 24 years-old and has yet to sniff his prime. While he will never be a knockdown shooter from deep, his value resides in his defensive prowess, playmaking ability and contagious energy.

If Smart develops into a league average shooter from deep and smooths out some rough edges in his game (most notably finishing and ball-handling), he’d be considered an All-Star caliber player and worth far more than $13 million per year.

Even if Smart doesn’t show advancements in his game throughout the deal, it will still become more rewarding as the years go on, simply due to the inevitable salary cap increase. Celtics fans can look at the controversial deal that Avery Bradley signed in 2014 as a example, which undoubtedly became one of the NBA’s best bargains.

At the end of the day, the Celtics have retained an immensely important part of their squad that finished minutes away from a finals appearance. With Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart, the Celtics possess arguably the deepest backcourt in the entire league.