Marcus Smart

Elite defensive guard and heart-and-soul leader whose toughness and tenacity made him one of the most beloved players in Celtics history.

Marcus Osmond Smart was born on 6 March 1994 in Flower Mound, Texas, to Billy Frank Smart and Camellia Smart, who died of myelodysplastic syndrome in September 2018. He has several older brothers, including Todd Westbrook, who died before Marcus's professional career began. Smart attended Edward S. Marcus High School, compiling a 115-6 record and winning two state championships as a two-time McDonald's All-American. Smart played two seasons at Oklahoma State, winning Big 12 Player of the Year in 2013 and earning USBWA National Freshman of the Year honours, developing a reputation as one of the most tenacious defenders in college basketball. The Boston Celtics selected Smart sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he became one of the league's most respected defensive players, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 — a rare honour for a guard — and earning three NBA All-Defensive First Team selections during nine seasons with the Celtics. Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, then the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, continuing his career as one of the most competitive and vocal leaders of his generation, renowned throughout his career for winning three NBA Hustle Awards.

Defensive specialist, physical guard, clutch performer

One of the premier defensive guards of his generation

• NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2022