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Dec 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (17) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports +

Marcus Smart came into his third season with the expectation that he was going to take over the 6th man role, and propel his team’s second unit. While injuries have prevented him from staying on the bench, Smart has done just that. His playmaking ability is very much improved from last season, and his three point percentage is up from last year as well.

Not many people around the league view Smart as a franchise caliber player. This mainly due to the fact that he doesn’t have flashy statistics, or shooting percentages that jump off the page.

Smart is a terrific basketball player. He is a vital piece to this Celtics team, and only Boston fans truly know why he is so great. So here’s what makes the third year guard a true franchise caliber player.