In a not-so-surprising move, the Boston Celtics assigned top draft pick Marcus Smart on Thursday to the team’s D-League affiliate.
Smart was an immediate contributor for the Celtics in his first NBA season but was sidelined for 10 games after suffering a high ankle sprain Nov. 7. The point guard returned to game action Wednesday but played just five minutes in a win over the Detroit Pistons, failing to score a point and committing two fouls.
A trip to the D-League will afford Smart some much-needed reps, as head coach Brad Stevens said the rookie did not look ready in his first game back from injury.
Fellow rookies James Young and Dwight Powell also were sent down. All three are expected to play Thursday for the Maine Red Claws before rejoining the big club Friday.
Young and Powell already have played two games apiece for Maine this season.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
