It’s difficult to recall a trade in recent history that has a wider range of opinions from fans, analysts, and others in the basketball world than this one.
Some feel the Celtics improved significantly by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and won’t feel Marcus Smart’s absence. Others believe they’re making a major mistake trading away their vocal leader and best defender for an injury-prone player.
One analyst who certainly fits into the “major mistake” category is former Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins. Perkins took umbrage with the Celtics’ lack of patience, referencing how the NBA champion Denver Nuggets remained patient to end up on top.