Mid(ish) Season Awards: 2017-18 Boston Celtics

By FS Staff | Dec 27, 2017

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 17: Al Horford #42, Jayson Tatum #0, Marcus Smart #36, Jaylen Brown #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 17, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 18: Terry Rozier 12 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Marcus Smart #36 after the 112-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of (45% of the) Year: Marcus Smart

Smart has been Boston’s go-to perimeter defender for the entirety of this season, and is a major reason why this team’s defensive ratings rank amongst the best in the league.

His intensity and knack for the little things is something that isn’t seen on stat sheets, but is invaluable for Brad Stevens. Since shedding weight in the offseason, his quickness has made him one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

It’s often goes unnoticed, but his off-ball defending is a reflection of his tremendous basketball IQ. This plus his lock down on-ball mentality is a brutal combination for opposing guards to deal with.

Smart’s athleticism and strength has also allowed Brad Stevens to move him over to the wing without skipping a beat. This versatility makes Stevens’ life a lot easier, especially when he’s in need of a defensive audible.

(Al Horford was a close second here)

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