2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart credits trust, his basketball IQ for the defense that won him the award

His vocal style of play on that end earned him the endorsement of his teammates, particularly Timelord.

Earlier this season, the Boston Celtics found themselves with two realistic candidates for the NBA’s 2022 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in veteran point guard Marcus Smart and rising big man Robert Williams III. But the narrative began to shift decidedly in favor of one soon after the other came out in favor of his teammate winning the award.

“I think Smart deserves it, to be honest,” said Timelord back in early March, to many people’s surprise. And while it was undoubtedly the Oklahoma State product’s on-court play that earned him the word despite what some sour detractors are suggesting, having Williams endorse him for the DPOY award certainly didn’t hurt.

Asked about Timelord’s endorsement and how his vocal style of play on defense earned it after winning the award, Smart replied “My IQ is extraordinary, especially on that end.”