Boston Celtics

Celtics' Stevens hopes Smart will 'be back on the court by mid-August'

Published Jul. 24, 2015 5:01 p.m. ET

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When Marcus Smart dislocated two fingers during Las Vegas Summer League, the Boston Celtics feared the worst. But luckily Smart is as tough as he looks.

Head coach Brad Stevens recently told Sirius XM's NBA radio that his team's presumed starting point guard should be ready to play before training camp starts:

"Luckily, the X-rays were negative as far as any fractures. He’s sore. I was texting with him today, but he’s receiving treatment as we speak and he’ll take care of himself. Hopefully he’ll be back on the court by mid-August or just before September. Obviously, you never want to have an injury, never want to have an injury of any magnitude. But to be out a couple of weeks this time of year won’t be the end of the world for him."

The Celtics have high hopes for Smart, who they took with the sixth-overall pick in the 2014 draft.

Smart made serious strides on offense throughout summer league, and is already one of the best defenders at his position in all of basketball.

(h/t: ESPN)

Photo Credit: Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images