Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart was officially named the NBA’s coveted Defensive Player of the Year on Monday.
The award propels the point guard to the top of any conversation that recognize him as the best defensive guard in the league. It’s huge win for the boys in the backcourt since no guard has hoisted the trophy since Gary Payton back in 1996 with the Seattle Supersonics.
In fact, Marcus Smart would make it the second PG in all of NBA history to reach these unprecedented heights. The award has long favored big men who anchor the paint on defense and rare cases of wings like Kawhi Leonard, and Draymond Green claiming the title.
Also, he would join Kevin Garnett as the only other Celtic who held this distinction. It is important to note the honor has only been around since 1982. One can only imagine how many Bill Russell would have claimed in his storied career.
Let’s take a brief dip into the lay of the field here for the DPOY race. There are 3 all-important factors that play into the voters’ heads when casting their ballots: impact, reputation, and narrative.
Marcus Smart undoubtedly had the best narrative this year. There had not been a point guard even in contention for this accolade in a long time. We are circling way back to the likes of Gary Payton and Mookie Blaylock as the last of that position to be favorites for the distinction.
Mikal Bridges is the best defensive player on the best team in the NBA during the regular season as the Suns amassed 64 wins. Historical odds seemed to favor him more as wings and forwards have always been mentioned consistently in regards to the hallmark.
Rudy Gobert seemed like the betting favorite for the honor, having already acclaimed the DPOY three times and being the stalwart defensively at the rim. We have seen his value to the Utah Jazz team and the way they are built defensively.
History has been redefined and rewritten by one of your Boston Celtics.