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Celtics anointment of a captain is needed - and soon.

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One of our writers, Steven Mayer, has repeatedly suggested that Brad Stevens put an NBA-seasoned ex-player on the bench next to him as an assistant to energize the Celtics. I have endlessly proposed the need for a captain to finally be anointed.

The former issue will be addressed in a later article, but the Captaincy is urgent. But who should it be? An on-floor leader needs to be skilled enough to play starter-type minutes - tough enough to yell at his comrades (and himself) - fair enough to distribute the admonishments and accolades equitably - and brave enough to tell Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge that he doesn't agree with them on certain issues.

Sometimes, in years gone by, the choice of Captain was obvious, and I present Bill Russell and Larry Bird as Exhibits A and B. This is not one of those times.

I have broached Marcus Smart in the past as the floor leader, and I am sticking with that. Jaylen Brown would be my second choice, and I have none after that. The well is dry. Jayson Tatum? An absolute star and closer, but he needs more time. 

In his first few seasons in the League, Smart would have been one of my last choices for the position. He practices what he will preach - energy, hustle, team play, relentless defense and the will to do anything to win the game. He now stands as Number-One in my estimation, and it needs to be done - and soon.



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