Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart came into the NBA regarded as a potential lock-down defender. He was never expected to be a deadly three-point shooter, but Smart has improved his accuracy to become a serious threat from downtown.

When NBC Sports reporter Chris Forsberg asked Smart if he had tinkered with his shot in the offseason, Smart insisted he hadn't, claiming:

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During the 2018-19 season, the average three-point shooter has shot 35.3 percent from beyond the arc. Smart has improved from a very poor shooter into one that needs to be checked at the three-point line. Before, opponents would go under picks in an effort to make Smart shoot the ball. Now, defenders respect his range and are forced to go over screens, opening up driving lanes.

The Oklahoma State University Product is putting together a solid season for the Celtics. He is currently averaging 7.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, to go along with some of the best perimeter defense in the league. Smart provides hard-nosed defense and constant hustle, and he is more than willing to dive for balls on the ground or match-up against the opposing teams best player.

He is a key piece in a Celtics team that boasts the leagues third best defensive ranking, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Now that Smart has added the three-point shot to his arsenal, he has become a valuable asset at both ends of the floor.