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Boston Celtics: The 3 Cs most likely to win an NBA award

By Jack Simone

BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Jayson Tatum #0 reacts with Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Jayson Tatum #0 reacts with Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics award-winner #2: Defensive Player of the Year – Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart has been in the conversation to win Defensive Player of the Year multiple times. Boston Celtics fans have begged the media to give him the respect he deserves for years.

Last season saw the team take a step back defensively, however. This could create the exact storyline Smart needs to have a real chance at the award.

Media voters love a good story. Well, Smart leading a mid-tier defensive team get back towards the top of the NBA would be perfect.

If Ime Udoka can help the Celtics have a top defense in the NBA again, Smart will be in prime position. In addition, he’ll have to get back to the elite level he was at a couple of years ago. Smart’s steals per game numbers have gone down in recent years. In 2018-19 he averaged 1.8, then in 2019-20 it dropped to 1.7, and finally last year it dropped to 1.5.

While this may not seem like a huge deal, increasing those numbers would stick out voters. If he can average over two steals per game it would stand out on the stat sheet and in the DPOY race.

He’ll have a great chance to do so, too, as he is likely to be named the Celtics’ starting point guard. With the increased role and minutes, Smart should be able to average even better numbers than ever before.

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