In an interview with the Wall Street Journal Magazine, Slovenian star Luka Doncic had high praise for one of the Celtics’ greatest defenders.
Throughout recent Celtics history, the team has been synonymous with strong perimeter defense. Currently, Derrick White anchors that role, while Jrue Holiday, Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo also fit the mold in recent years.
But it was Marcus Smart that Doncic singled out in his interview. Doncic cited two players as “headaches” for him on the court. Among guards, the only one he named was the former nine-year Celtic. The only forward Doncic mentioned was Pelicans All-Defensive First Team standout Herbert Jones.
Smart’s defensive résumé speaks for itself. He is one of just six guards to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, with Sidney Moncrief the only repeat winner. His DPOY in the 2021-22 season was the first for a guard since Gary Payton in 1995-96. Smart has also earned three All-Defensive First Team selections and built a reputation for taking on stars in the biggest moments, including matching up with Stephen Curry in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Smart is also the only player to win the NBA’s Hustle Award more than once since its creation in 2017, having taken the honor three times.
In nine seasons with Boston, Smart climbed to fourth on the Celtics’ all-time steals list with 914. Despite his 6-foot-3 frame, he also ranks 23rd in franchise history in blocks with 214.
Now teammates in Los Angeles, Doncic will be relieved to play alongside Smart rather than across from him as the two prepare for the 2025-26 season.
