Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has finally been rewarded for his highly dependable defense. On Tuesday, the NBA awarded him All-Defensive First Team honors. Considered the most advanced young defender Brad Stevens has coached, the former All-American has been a curious omission from the league’s All-Defensive teams since at least 2016-17.
Smart had the highest steal percentage (3.1), was third in total steals (143) and sixth in steals per game (1.8) last season, per Basketball Reference. He held opponents to 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 33.8 percent shooting from three, per NBA Advanced Stats. A versatile defender who guards the perimeter and post with equal proficiency, Smart has been pining for the NBA to recognize his defensive play all season.
It appears that the 25 year old’s wish came true on Tuesday.
Smart joins forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), point guard Eric Bledsoe (Milwaukee Bucks), forward Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder) and center Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz) as All-Defensive First Team selections.
