Celtics' Marcus Smart would've been Red Auerbach's ‘favorite player,’ says Kendrick Perkins

Red Auerbach must be smiling. The Celtics are one of the best teams in the East, and Marcus Smart is part of it. Kendrick Perkins said more.

Red Auerbach must be smiling. The Boston Celtics are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and Marcus Smart has built a convincing case as one of the team's most important pillars. Former Celtic and 2008 NBA champion Kendrick Perkins recognizes his importance in the team.

The former Celtic, who now works as an analyst for various TV shows, revealed that Smart's rise into one of the key figures in the Celtics locker room is totally expected. He even went as far as saying that the legendary Red Auerbach would have loved the type of grit and hustle the Oklahoma State standout brings to the team every night.

Perkins praised him during the leadup of the Celtics' game against the Utah Jazz. Per NBC Sports Boston's Jacob Camenker:

“He would fit in the Larry Bird Era, the Bill Russell Era,” Perkins, the former Celtics center, said on NBC Sports Boston's Celtics Pregame Live before the C's took on the Jazz on Friday night. “Matter of fact, he probably would've been the great Red Auerbach's favorite player. When you think about Marcus Smart, he is Celtics Pride. Like, he represents what this whole Celtic DNA is all about. He's one of my favorite players.

“I love what he brings to the table. He's the heart and soul of this team. And one thing that I love about Marcus is that he's gotten better this year. Offensively, you could tell that he worked on his game this summer. He's an underrated playmaker. And he's just a great all-around guy in the gym. [Just] don't push his buttons.”

The 26-year-old Smart is playing extremely well for the Celtics this season. He's averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists a night. His energy on both ends of the floor makes him a key cog on Brad Stevens' plans as he is usually tasked with slowing down the team's best backcourt player while contributing to the team's offensive efficiency.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Smart will be a key figure if the Celtics will make an improbable run to the Finals. The things he brings to the table will definitely make Auerbach a fan.