BOSTON (AP) - The rebuilding Boston Celtics drafted guard Marcus Smart from Oklahoma State with the sixth pick of the NBA draft Thursday night.
The 6-foot-3, 227-pound Smart averaged 18 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists as a sophomore last season. He can play both guard positions and could team up with point guard Rajon Rondo or make Rondo expendable in a trade. Rondo's contract expires after the upcoming season.
The Celtics also have the 17th pick in the first round but none in the second.
The Celtics are continuing to rebuild after going 25-57, the third-worst record in club history, in their first season under coach Brad Stevens.
Smart plays with a competitiveness and physical nature that NBA coaches covet. He's a solid defender but needs work on his offensive game.
Boston took Smart with its own first-round pick.
The 17th pick was one of three first-rounders obtained in July when the Celtics traded Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets. They also have Brooklyn's first-rounders in 2016 and 2018.
The Celtics have three first-rounders in 2015 - their own plus one obtained from the Los Angeles Clippers for allowing them to sign coach Doc Rivers before last season and another from Philadelphia.
Boston has a total of eight first-round picks over the next four years, giving them plenty of assets to build a young team or use some choices in trades for a veteran.