Marcus Smart came into the League as a tough defender, but both his offense and defense were often - can we say - a bit reckless. This season particularly, he seems in control on both ends of the floor, and his defense has been stellar.
Marcus made the NBA All-Defensive First team last season for the first time, and this season he could be in the running for Defensive-Player-of-the Year. That award almost always goes to a center - and occasionally to a forward - but hardly ever to a guard. Gary Payton was the last guard to win the honor, and that was in 1996. Since then, the award has gone to a center 19 times out of the past 23 seasons, with Rudy Gobert winning it the past two years.
But Marcus is no ordinary defender, nor is he a run-of-the-mill guard. He defends the little point guards and the big guys. And he does a great job on both. He drives James Harden nuts and circles around Giannis Antetokounmpo like a tornado. The Greek Freak must think there are three Marci out there. There is nothing - and I mean NOTHING - usual about Marcus Smart. He took on the Dallas Maverick's two stars, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, last night, and Marcus played a large role in Boston's win. It has been 23 years since an NBA guard has won the DPOY honor, and this season may be the time to stop the trend. And the 2020 NBA Defensive-Player-of-the-Year Award goes to ............!
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Marcus Smart is one of the most unique players in the league. Last night he had 17 points, six dimes and defended well against both Porzingis and Doncić.
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) November 12, 2019
They combined for only four points on 1-of-8 shooting (including 0-of-3 from Porzingis) against @smart_MS3. Watch: pic.twitter.com/ygxTsideXh
Marcus made the NBA All-Defensive First team last season for the first time, and this season he could be in the running for Defensive-Player-of-the Year. That award almost always goes to a center - and occasionally to a forward - but hardly ever to a guard. Gary Payton was the last guard to win the honor, and that was in 1996. Since then, the award has gone to a center 19 times out of the past 23 seasons, with Rudy Gobert winning it the past two years.
The 2018-19 NBA All-Defensive First Team!@Giannis_An34 @EBled2 @Yg_Trece @rudygobert27 @smart_MS3 pic.twitter.com/BXj7REv1dJ
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2019
But Marcus is no ordinary defender, nor is he a run-of-the-mill guard. He defends the little point guards and the big guys. And he does a great job on both. He drives James Harden nuts and circles around Giannis Antetokounmpo like a tornado. The Greek Freak must think there are three Marci out there. There is nothing - and I mean NOTHING - usual about Marcus Smart. He took on the Dallas Maverick's two stars, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, last night, and Marcus played a large role in Boston's win. It has been 23 years since an NBA guard has won the DPOY honor, and this season may be the time to stop the trend. And the 2020 NBA Defensive-Player-of-the-Year Award goes to ............!
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
Smart has shown the ability to shut down players much taller than him, including Porzingis and Love. Excited to see him take on guys like AD later this season.
ReplyDeleteIn simple terms, he just keeps getting these tough assignments - and comes through. I see so much progression in this guy, in so many ways. I hope he avoids injury.
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