3 reasons why Marcus Smart will be the Boston Celtics' X-factor in the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Marcus Smart will run the offense of the Boston Celtics entering the 2021-22 NBA season

Marcus Smart directing the Boston Celtics' play.

Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka stressed before training camp that Marcus Smart will have more of the ball in his hands. If the first preseason game is any indication, Smart will be running the offense for the Cs this year.

Kemba Walker, the Boston Celtics’ starting point guard last year, averaged 4.9 dimes a game. Smart had 5.7 APG. More impressively, he nudged it to 6 a game in the postseason while becoming the Cs second option on offense after Jaylen Brown injured his wrist. The NBA could be sleeping on Marcus Smart as a playmaker.

It looks like Marcus Smart will be officially handed the keys to the Celtics’ offensive engine this season. He will have more freedom to make plays for his teammates. And speaking of plays, Smart just makes plays anywhere he is on the court and whenever the opportunity comes up.

One vivid example is Marcus Smart chasing down Norman Powell's fastbreak layup in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Toronto Raptors.

Here's a look at that remarkable play:

#1 Marcus Smart is healthy this year

Boston Celtics Media Day

Marcus Smart played only 48 games last season. For the Boston Celtics to have a shot at challenging the best teams in the stacked Eastern Conference, he has to play more than that. Luckily for the Celtics, he has fully recovered from a calf injury that cost him almost half of the season last year.

A healthy Smart brings the kind of hustle, energy and leadership that made Gary Payton a force on both sides of the ball.

Marcus Smart’s chemistry with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will only make the Celtics better. While the Js have vowed to be better playmakers this season, Smart will continue to be the coach on the floor who will direct the plays.

If the Boston Celtics go far this year, signing Marcus Smart to an extension could be one of the best deals Brad Stevens managed to do as first-year president of basketball operations.