With a roster that currently has one player over the age of 30, the Boston Celtics are challenging young players and their ability to progress and develop quickly. The team needs some young guys to step up and become leaders. If last night’s summer league opener is any indication, Marcus Smart appears ready to accept that challenge.

Aside from Phil Pressey, Smart is the most experienced player on the Celtics’ summer league roster. He’s the leader of this young squad. Last night he led by example. Smart set the tone early against the Utah Jazz, scoring 13 points in the opening quarter, hustling on both ends of the floor and going toe to toe with Dante Exum.

After being selected No. 6 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart enjoyed a solid rookie season in which he earned a spot on the All-Rookie second team. It was Smart’s defensive ability that earned him a regular spot in Brad Stevens‘ rotation. He plays with a passion and aggression that is sometimes unmatched. It can also be contagious.

Jordan Mickey, whom the Celtics drafted in the second round this year, acknowledged that Smart’s level of intensity raises the intensity level of everybody on the floor. Mickey demonstrated that with his impressive performance last night, as he flourished in the pick and roll with Smart, scoring 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Defensively, he also blocked three shots. Along with Smart, Mickey was one of the few bright spots from last night’s game.

While Smart is able to infect other players with his intensity and raise their level of play, the Celtics need Smart to raise his own level of play. Offensively, Smart was inconsistent last year. He relied a bit too much on the three ball — over half of his made field goals were threes last year — and didn’t quite attack the basket enough. Though Smart ranked 10th amongst rookies in free throw attempts, he ranked just 42nd amongst all point guards.

Last night, Smart showcased a newfound aggression. He led the Celtics in points (26), rebounds (8), assists (5), shot attempts (20), fouls (6), flagrant fouls (1) and he also hit the floor more than any other player should in a summer league game. While Smart struggled shooting — he made only six of his 20 attempts — he was able to get to the free throw line a game-high 13 times. That’s an astounding number for a player who didn’t record double-digit free throw attempts in a single game last year.

The best scorers in the league are also the ones getting to the free throw line the most often. You can offset a poor shooting night with the ability to attack the basket and earn free throws. Smart’s jumper wasn’t falling consistently last night, so he committed himself to attacking the basket.

Was Smart a bit too aggressive at times last night? Sure. Half of his shot attempts came from beyond the arc and a handful would be classified as poor shot selections. He needs to work on his discipline and shot selection.

With Smart likely having a spot in the rotation next year, he could have easily coasted through summer league. He chose the opposite. Along with providing energy on the floor, he was seen on the bench encouraging and coaching up teammates. He is taking this opportunity seriously. It may just be one game and it may just be summer league, but Smart showed last night that he has what it takes to become a leader for the Celtics.

Derek McVay is a NBA featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mcvay34, or add him to your network on Google.