Offensive Game
Below-average outside shooter but a reliable mid-range scorer and clutch performer. Not a primary offensive option, but capable of delivering in high-leverage moments.
Career Journey
Boston Celtics
2014-2023
Memphis Grizzlies
2023-2025
Los Angeles Lakers
2025-present
NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Won DPOY in 2022 — first guard to win since Gary Payton in 1996
NBA All-Defensive First Team
Named to All-Defensive First Team multiple times
Heart and Hustle
Known as one of the toughest competitors and best defensive guards in NBA history
2024 NBA Finals
Reached Finals with Celtics in 2022, lost to Warriors
Career Earnings
~$110M
Estimated total NBA career salary
Endorsements
New Balance
New Balance basketball athlete
2019-present
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 62 | 9.3 | 2.8 | 3 | 39.5% | 33.1% |
Smart won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, the rare guard to take an award that usually goes to a rim protector, and backed it with All-Defensive First Team selections in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Across nine seasons in Boston he averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds over 581 games, and the Celtics' defensive rating was consistently better with him on the floor. He spent 2025-26 with the Lakers before signing with Houston for 2026-27. He is the clearest modern case that a guard can anchor a defense — not by blocking shots, but by taking away the first option and making the second one late.
Offensive Game
Below-average outside shooter but a reliable mid-range scorer and clutch performer. Not a primary offensive option, but capable of delivering in high-leverage moments.
Defensive Game
2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year — first guard to win since Gary Payton in 1996. Elite on-ball defender against guards through big men. Forces turnovers at historic rates and raises any team's defensive ceiling.
Intangibles
One of the highest defensive IQs in the league. Anticipates passing lanes, communicates coverages, and raises the competitive level of every team he plays on.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Private
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
YounGameChanger Foundation
Mental health and cancer awareness advocacy
Did You Know?
Won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year with the Celtics — the first guard to win since Gary Payton in 1996
Named after the high school where his mother worked (Marcus High School)
Lost his older brother Todd to cancer, which inspired his advocacy for cancer awareness
Known as one of the toughest competitors in the NBA — the ultimate 'winning player'
Career Honors
2024 NBA Champion (Celtics)
2022 Defensive Player of the Year
2x All-Defensive First Team
Big 12 Player of the Year 2014
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Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
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