Marcus Smart dislocates 2 fingers in summer league game
Impressive Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart left the team's Las Vegas Summer League game Thursday due to a hand injury and will not return.
Smart hit the floor hard while fighting for a rebound against teammate Jordan Mickey and Noah Vonleh of the Portland Trail Blazers, appearing to land awkwardly on his right hand and wrist. The Celtics diagnosed him with dislocations to his right index and middle fingers, and he'll undergo further X-rays to confirm the severity of the injury.
If you have a strong stomach, you can click here for a photo of Smart's hand.
Prior to being injured, Smart had scored seven points and made two steals in nine minutes of action. He entered play Thursday averaging 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.5 steals through four games, though he was shooting 32.8 percent from the floor and 29.3 percent from long-range.
Smart was one of the league's most promising rookies in 2014-15, earning a reputation as a tenacious and disruptive defender. He averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 36.7 percent, and he'll need to begin finishing stronger for Boston to keep the ball in his hands as a primary point guard, but he's shown the defensive versatility to play alongside another guard if need be.
The 21-year-old was the No. 6 overall pick in 2014 and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.