Boston Celtics: top-3 scrappiest players in the NBA
By Mark Nilon
The Boston Celtics rank as one of the top defensive teams in the NBA thanks in large to their sixth year veteran Marcus Smart. Where does the team’s scrappy guard rank amongst the league’s other untidy talents.
Marcus Smart, the heart and soul of this Boston Celtics squad, has never met a challenge he didn’t accept. He’s tenacious/ never say never attitude has been a welcoming sight to see for all C’s fans since the team drafted him sixth overall in the 2014 NBA draft.
Now, with him in tow, the team has managed to become one of the most well rounded units the league has to offer.
Offensively, we already knew the Boston Celtics were going to be good. Led by the likes of Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward the team has managed to record the league’s eighth best offensive rating (112.2).
However, defensively, the C’s have been a pleasant surprise.
Currently speaking, Boston ranks fourth in defensive rating (106.1), sixth in blocks per game (5.6) and are tied for sixth in steals per game (8.3).
While he is not the sole reason for the team’s defensive success in 2019-20, it would be foolish to say he’s not one of the main reasons.
The media knows this. Celtics fans know this. Heck, even Dwyane Wade knows it, and has advocated for the sixth year guard to be this year’s NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
"“I know this is normally a big man’s award but this year, we need to get back to the Gary Payton and Michael Jordans of the world, where guards get the Defensive Player of the Year. What Marcus Smart has done… I mean, he’s fearless. And it’s not just the blocks, it’s the hustle, it’s the diving on the floor for the ball, it’s the switching one through five he does.”"
Wade hit the nail right on the head: Smart is an all out hustle guy. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty when going for a loose ball, a steal or when attempting to contest a shot.
In short, Marcus Smart is without a doubt one of the scrappiest players the league has to offer. The only question that remains: who is there with him?
Don’t worry folks, we’ve got you covered! Here is our list for the top-3 scrappiest players in the NBA today.