Is Marcus Smart injury prone?


Over the weekend, the Celtics announced that Marcus Smart would be sidelined for at least two weeks for a knee injury after banging knees with Thomas Robinson of the Nets on Friday night.

Smart has had a history of injuries that have sidelined him for long periods of time. Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston detailed Smart's history of being banged up:

Smart, who already missed three games earlier this season with a sprained big toe, is set to miss a minimum of seven more games with the leg injury. And if he's sidelined through December while rehabbing, it could mean sitting out the other 13 games that Boston has scheduled to close out the calendar year.

The 21-year-old Smart missed 10 games last November due to an ankle injury and two more games in December from an Achilles strain. During summer league play in Las Vegas in July, Smart dislocated two fingers diving for a loose ball and had to heal before returning to basketball activities before the start of training camp.

While none of Smart's injuries have been severe enough to keep him off the court for very long periods of time, it's still concerning to see him being banged up often. The young guard plays tenacious defense and that style of play sometimes may put him in positions where he is more prone to getting injured. It's fortunate that most of his injuries have happened as a result of freak accidents but one has to wonder how long Smart can go without suffering a severe injury.

It shouldn't be too big of a deal as long as the rising star plays smart basketball and takes precautions towards preventing injuries. Given the way he plays, it's hard for the guard not to go through the season with some bumps along the way. Celtics fans and the team would much prefer Smart give his 100% while on the court rather than to concern himself about getting injured. Smart should be back soon and will continue his tough, hard-nosed style of basketball that we've all fallen in love with.

Photo Credit: AP/Michael Dwyer
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