Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart continues to lead Boston’s defense.
Burns on the floor, bruised ribs, elbow elbow injuries have paid off guard Marcus Smart for eight years to establish himself as the first and sometimes last line of defense for the Boston Celtics. It was a price to pay.
Finally, last spring, the NBA world aptly noticed, Smart’s 2021-22 Kia Defensive Player of the Year Award.
So now, when the floor burns, the ribs get bruised and the occasional elbow hits the face, the DPOY winner pays the price.
Having trophies on your shelf at home doesn’t mean your wince-inducing moments are going to be uncomfortable. But there is a sense of contentment during the pain that was not there before.
“Awareness,” Smart said in a phone interview with NBA.com earlier this week. “I don’t play for recognition, but in the games we play where the offense and defense are at a disadvantage, it’s actually harder than ever to win that award. Especially to be a security guard to do that.It’s unbelievable.”
Smart, 28, became the first guard to be named the league’s top defender since 1996 Seattle Hall of Famer Gary Payton, and the sixth backcourt player overall. The 6-foot-3-inch, 220-pound burly veteran last spring earned him 257 points from a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters with his 37 first-place votes. Phoenix’s Michal Bridges (22 first-place votes) was his second, and Rudy Gobert (10 votes), who he won three times since being traded from Utah to Minnesota, was his third.
“For defensive players, that’s our MVP award.”@smart_MS3 Looking back on DPOY’s victory ☘️ pic.twitter.com/RKYqdb9NmL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 30, 2022
Oddly enough, Smart, featured in this season’s debut edition of the defensive ladder, believes the DPOY honors have brought more scrutiny to how he dominates opponents on the edge of the court.
“I think I’m being criticized more now because I won,” he said. “Less phone calls. Kind of weird. I would think [I’d get reputation calls] too right? But I know who I am. I know what I can do. What I’ve done and how well I’ve done it. ”
As Smart said Monday, he faced a long night — the Celtics were in Memphis tasked with facing an explosive Ja Morant and the rest of the young, aggressive Grizzlies. Smart was eager to get back to the hotel for a pre-game nap, which addressed the idea that energy and effort are key to proper defensive performance.
Morant scored 30, but Boston won. 109-106And Smart had his nose and chest in most of Memphis’ possessions. The Celtics replaced the Liberals and threw a fleet of defenders at the Grizzlies’ bouncy point guards. But with his two minutes remaining, Smart pulled the charge out of Morant. He was the Boston player most likely to step back to thwart the notion of a fast break.
and his night highlight reel It showed that he quarterbacked the team with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists, more importantly his job as the Celtics’ middle linebacker.
“There’s a lot of garbage in this world, and someone has to pick it up,” said Smart. Kudos, when it comes to defense, it’s one of those jobs.
“No one wants to play defense. It’s what makes a good defender, and of course, your basketball IQ and predictive skills, and just leading the defense as a whole.”
A defense that took Boston’s locker room like a virus last season under coach Ime Udokai earned not only Smart’s award, but the team’s No. 1 ranking and a spot to the Finals.
“We talk about ‘actions. Actions speak louder than words,'” Smart said. “It’s kind of hard to tell someone to do something you’re not doing. For me, I have to do everything I can for my teammates, work hard and sacrifice to preach and lead by example.” If you’re preaching and you’re not doing it, it’s just nonsense.
“Every day, ‘My body hurts. I’m tired. I haven’t had enough sleep,'” Smart said. said.
Like the one he got Saturday trying to guard New York mogul Julius Randle at the post. The whistle blew too.
“It’s about keeping your face there and coming back every time you get hit,” said Smart. but with their chins and noses dangerously close to their arms and elbows.
“Because I can do it,” said the Boston point guard. I have to listen! Then it becomes contagious. ”
The Celtics are 7-3, but have fallen defensively, ranking 23rd in points per 100 possessions at 113.8, compared to 106.2 last season. They only kept his team under 100 points once, compared to three times he was 25-5 in his first 10 games a year ago.
Smart said plans haven’t changed much under new coach Joe Mazura, and refused to use knee surgery for center Robert Williams III as an excuse. The lack of a man who confused one enemy after another offers an explanation.
“I keep a lot more 5’s than I do,” Smart said. “Without Rob, you have to move the pieces around and play people in places that are unfamiliar or practice less. They are trying to break through that first line and overtake us.”
Smart said he would pick Williams as the frontrunner for DPOY this season if he is available. He likes Bridges and Draymond Green as elite defenders and brings his teammate Grant his Williams into conversation.
As for his own continued commitment to that duty, nine former DPOY winners won the award again the following season, which is unshakable. He still wants to win games with stops more than shots.
“Anyone can hit a shot at any time,” said Smart. “But it’s about being able to lock a player into the game, especially when everything is in his favor. , attracting contact, fouling – all in favor of the attacking player.It’s big time you can stop the last play.”
Here are the rung holders for the November edition of the 2022-23 Kia Defensive Player Ladder:
(All stats through Monday, November 7)
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
It is important to clarify the difference with Bucks. Antetokounmpo is the best defensive player on the team and is based on Milwaukee’s #1 ranking (101.9), our top pick for this early ladder. But that doesn’t negate Brook Lopez as the team’s most valuable defender, a veteran center who has adapted well this season to Mike Budenholzer and some tweaks to his coach’s strategy. Pure Drop Seeks to reduce his coverage and increase mobility. Still, his DPOY winner for Greece in 2020 brings his kit full of tools, offering rim protection, on-ball resistance and stifling defense.
Sneaky and sneaky Yannis. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/XsVLzDXjVC
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 29, 2022
2. Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
We decided to ask the current top defenders if they have one stat that matters most when evaluating other defenders. block shot? steal? Deflection? Are there any charges? A contested shot? “I’m going to say no,” said Smart. “Anyone can draw a charge, anyone can block a shot. For me, there are flexes that mean being around the ball. …it’s more like the sum of all the stats.” In other words, it’s like the NFL’s quarterback rating for evaluating an all-around defender. Smart’s 102 possessions guarding James Harden, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxxie, PJ Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry in his first two games in Boston, these seven A total of 11 players scored 11 points.
In Boston’s first two games, Marcus Smart guarded James Harden, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxsey, PJ Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry on 102 possessions.
In those 102 possessions, Smart allowed seven players to score a combined 11 points. pic.twitter.com/w4ev5hSQj9
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) October 22, 2022
3. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
“I always wanted to be Defensive Player of the Year,” he said last week. “I always thought I was the best defender in the league. (He has only appeared in 91 games). League Steel Leader (3.1 spg) has scored 22 in Toronto’s last five games.
OG Anunoby has averaged 3.1 steals per game this season.
If he keeps this up, he will become the eighth player since 1991 to use three SPGs. pic.twitter.com/CDnFPqGd5B
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 7, 2022
The Next Seven:
(Alphabetical order)
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
- DPOY, which boasts versatility from 1 to 5, is also a target.
Michal Bridges, Phoenix Suns
- “Tough Two” may be a nickname for his defensive methods.
Rugen’s Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Strength, a knack for dealing with the biggest threats, boosts OKC’s D.
Herb Jones (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Study the safety of the NFL lead and reaction defense.
Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
- Adventuring further, but defending the rim (2.5 bpg, 15.2 contested 2).
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 8 Block, 7 ‘Bill Russell Style’ (Cavs Control Possession) vs. DET
Ibika Zubak of the Los Angeles Clippers
- The enemy’s rate of fire is 41% worse, and 7.5% worse on the 19.3 shots he’s contesting each night.
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Steve Ashburner has been writing about the NBA since 1980. here is his archive When follow him on twitter.
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