JD Shaw: Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the league just announced.
Source: Twitter @JShawNBA
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
![Peter Edmiston](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1270536415978323971/PIa5PfTx_normal.jpg)
Peter Edmiston @peteredmiston
Marcus Smart wins DPOY. Jaren Jackson Jr finishes 5th, garnering 10 first place votes. I’ll admit to being biased towards bigs winning DPOY, as I’ve talked about before, but Smart and Bridges are both amazing defensive players. No shade from me. Jaren fouls less, he’ll win it. pic.twitter.com/DyQihOgu0u – 7:13 PM
Marcus Smart wins DPOY. Jaren Jackson Jr finishes 5th, garnering 10 first place votes. I’ll admit to being biased towards bigs winning DPOY, as I’ve talked about before, but Smart and Bridges are both amazing defensive players. No shade from me. Jaren fouls less, he’ll win it. pic.twitter.com/DyQihOgu0u – 7:13 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqZrr7XoAQ7qTa.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqZrr7XoAQ7qTa.jpg)
![Doug Smith](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/722847275332939776/VP_xJMqf_normal.jpg)
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
‘Tis awards season: NBA just announced Marcus Smart of Boston is defensive player of the year. First guard to win it since Gary Payton in mid-1990s
Full disclosure: I had it Mikal Bridges, Smart, GIannis Antetokounmpo in what was tied with coach of the year for the hardest pick – 7:13 PM
‘Tis awards season: NBA just announced Marcus Smart of Boston is defensive player of the year. First guard to win it since Gary Payton in mid-1990s
Full disclosure: I had it Mikal Bridges, Smart, GIannis Antetokounmpo in what was tied with coach of the year for the hardest pick – 7:13 PM
![Jorge Sierra](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/609457974415896576/yhzsQNk9_normal.png)
![Melissa Rohlin](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1187848853493387264/pzWV5Gli_normal.jpg)
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the Defensive Player of the Year. – 7:12 PM
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the Defensive Player of the Year. – 7:12 PM
![Duane Rankin](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1438514775147778052/j37vZh68_normal.jpg)
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Voting for #NBA Defensive Player of The Year:
Winner: Marcus Smart #Celtics
2nd: Mikal Bridges #Suns
3rd: Rudy Gobert #Jazz pic.twitter.com/CKeMl9asZ2 – 7:12 PM
Voting for #NBA Defensive Player of The Year:
Winner: Marcus Smart #Celtics
2nd: Mikal Bridges #Suns
3rd: Rudy Gobert #Jazz pic.twitter.com/CKeMl9asZ2 – 7:12 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqZe_VUcAAmW-M.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqZe_VUcAAmW-M.jpg)
![Austin Krell](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1494051134197149707/tITVw6o8_normal.jpg)
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Mikal Bridges would’ve been my vote for DPOY, but Marcus Smart is plenty deserving. – 7:10 PM
Mikal Bridges would’ve been my vote for DPOY, but Marcus Smart is plenty deserving. – 7:10 PM
![Chris Miller](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1511824712183259151/4ge0Xpl2_normal.jpg)
Chris Miller @cmillsnbcs
Marcus Smart just mentioned @Bradley Beal as one of the guys you have to get a good night sleep against when facing him. That’s respect ✊🏽 – 7:09 PM
Marcus Smart just mentioned @Bradley Beal as one of the guys you have to get a good night sleep against when facing him. That’s respect ✊🏽 – 7:09 PM
![Matt Williams](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/682294398026149888/59dWNfW0_normal.jpg)
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Marcus Smart is the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1995-96.
He is the 2nd Celtics player to win the award, joining Kevin Garnett in 2007-08 (award began in 1982-83). – 7:08 PM
Marcus Smart is the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1995-96.
He is the 2nd Celtics player to win the award, joining Kevin Garnett in 2007-08 (award began in 1982-83). – 7:08 PM
![Vincent Goodwill](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1478566982127697920/Edo4nnuS_normal.jpg)
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Marcus Smart, Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Alvin Robertson and Michael Cooper, the only guards to win DPOY since its inception in 1983 – 7:08 PM
Marcus Smart, Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Alvin Robertson and Michael Cooper, the only guards to win DPOY since its inception in 1983 – 7:08 PM
![Jeff Goodman](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1490807530578141196/t_ecleFm_normal.jpg)
![Adam Zagoria](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1513176044185993218/CPF5pxQg_normal.jpg)
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Boston’s Marcus Smart named NBA Defensive Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/OaWGJgZKD7 – 7:07 PM
Boston’s Marcus Smart named NBA Defensive Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/OaWGJgZKD7 – 7:07 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYcZdWQAc5W6x.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYcZdWQAc5W6x.jpg)
![Ian Begley](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1125412914599530497/fp95gAMF_normal.jpg)
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Marcus Smart is first guard since Gary Payton (1995-96 w/Sonics) to win DPOY. Here are voting totals: pic.twitter.com/SvcEJOgCGI – 7:07 PM
Marcus Smart is first guard since Gary Payton (1995-96 w/Sonics) to win DPOY. Here are voting totals: pic.twitter.com/SvcEJOgCGI – 7:07 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYWQuWQAUb4Yi.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYWQuWQAUb4Yi.jpg)
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYWQxWYAIpGN5.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqYWQxWYAIpGN5.jpg)
![Duane Rankin](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1438514775147778052/j37vZh68_normal.jpg)
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Marcus Smart named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Mikal Bridges finished 2nd, Rudy Gobert 3rd. #Suns – 7:06 PM
Marcus Smart named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Mikal Bridges finished 2nd, Rudy Gobert 3rd. #Suns – 7:06 PM
![Michael Scotto](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1344706975981047812/ncCvgyTX_normal.jpg)
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Marcus Smart becomes the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996. Ja Morant, Trae Young and Devin Booker are all expected to earn All-NBA selections for the first time. More updates on @Jorge Sierra. hoopshype.com/lists/hoopshyp… – 7:06 PM
Marcus Smart becomes the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996. Ja Morant, Trae Young and Devin Booker are all expected to earn All-NBA selections for the first time. More updates on @Jorge Sierra. hoopshype.com/lists/hoopshyp… – 7:06 PM
![Ryan Blackburn](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1449172344681873408/iUOtKdL1_normal.jpg)
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Congrats to Marcus Smart. Perfect role player for a championship team. Does everything. – 7:06 PM
Congrats to Marcus Smart. Perfect role player for a championship team. Does everything. – 7:06 PM
![Chris Fedor](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1119012155800600579/gBDA4wf7_normal.png)
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named Defensive Player of the Year. That is who I voted for this season. Thought DPOY and COY were the toughest categories. – 7:06 PM
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named Defensive Player of the Year. That is who I voted for this season. Thought DPOY and COY were the toughest categories. – 7:06 PM
![Cody Taylor](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1342171345128468482/mgLtHmMN_normal.jpg)
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the Defensive Player of the Year, the NBA announced. pic.twitter.com/mnxXOtFBUU – 7:05 PM
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the Defensive Player of the Year, the NBA announced. pic.twitter.com/mnxXOtFBUU – 7:05 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX99nWYAgYHAJ.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX99nWYAgYHAJ.jpg)
![Howard Beck](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1485780711177166849/_qLOTJci_normal.jpg)
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
Marcus Smart of the Celtics has won Defensive Player of the Year, per NBA. pic.twitter.com/frFyZ5Qr5a – 7:05 PM
Marcus Smart of the Celtics has won Defensive Player of the Year, per NBA. pic.twitter.com/frFyZ5Qr5a – 7:05 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX7L8WUAUAyxH.png](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX7L8WUAUAyxH.png)
![Mark Medina](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/776516261022879744/vFNHaRCZ_normal.jpg)
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
NBA announces that Marcus Smart was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/SJPCPQaZVw – 7:05 PM
NBA announces that Marcus Smart was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/SJPCPQaZVw – 7:05 PM
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX3_4VIAE8uFG.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQqX3_4VIAE8uFG.jpg)
![Chris Grenham](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1481843366342103041/jZhtmyUP_normal.jpg)
![Brian Robb](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/794745570015531008/Kzxsxy3p_normal.jpg)
![Gerald Bourguet](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1435980077724962820/k6oaNdMT_normal.jpg)
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
NBA announced Marcus Smart as the Defensive Player of the Year. Mikal Bridges was a finalist – 7:05 PM
NBA announced Marcus Smart as the Defensive Player of the Year. Mikal Bridges was a finalist – 7:05 PM
![Shams Charania](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1436503855861276680/8qzEXb9B_normal.jpg)
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has won the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. – 7:04 PM
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has won the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. – 7:04 PM
![Jared Weiss](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1421360424621158403/wlSC0TN-_normal.jpg)
![Vincent Goodwill](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1478566982127697920/Edo4nnuS_normal.jpg)
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Celtics guard Marcus Smart wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The first since Gary Payton in 1996 – 7:04 PM
Celtics guard Marcus Smart wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The first since Gary Payton in 1996 – 7:04 PM
![Chris Miller](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1511824712183259151/4ge0Xpl2_normal.jpg)
Chris Miller @cmillsnbcs
FINALLY a guard won @NBA Defensive P.O.Y congrats Marcus Smart first point guard since Gary Payton. – 7:04 PM
FINALLY a guard won @NBA Defensive P.O.Y congrats Marcus Smart first point guard since Gary Payton. – 7:04 PM
![Keith Smith](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1055508609474482176/CXMbdyYX_normal.jpg)
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. – 7:03 PM
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. – 7:03 PM
![Mike Vorkunov](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1246065175158878211/vSHqy9UJ_normal.jpg)
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Can’t stop thinking about that last defensive possession by the Celtics. Tatum’s buzzer beater will be the highlight but that stop was a thing of beauty. Marcus Smart set the tone by getting physical right away. Boston sent the double early. Tatum did some hand fighting with KD. pic.twitter.com/wStWZ5Ewtd – 10:37 AM
Can’t stop thinking about that last defensive possession by the Celtics. Tatum’s buzzer beater will be the highlight but that stop was a thing of beauty. Marcus Smart set the tone by getting physical right away. Boston sent the double early. Tatum did some hand fighting with KD. pic.twitter.com/wStWZ5Ewtd – 10:37 AM
![Keith Smith](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1055508609474482176/CXMbdyYX_normal.jpg)
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Maybe the people who say only guys who protect the rim should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation are right. They just forgot to include Marcus Smart as one of those guys.
This lesson in verticality is going to appear on a lot of coaching tapes moving forward. pic.twitter.com/cjh8cFJZqo – 10:19 AM
Maybe the people who say only guys who protect the rim should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation are right. They just forgot to include Marcus Smart as one of those guys.
This lesson in verticality is going to appear on a lot of coaching tapes moving forward. pic.twitter.com/cjh8cFJZqo – 10:19 AM
![Brian Robb](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/794745570015531008/Kzxsxy3p_normal.jpg)
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Marcus Smart got some good news about his chances for winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Sunday masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 8:27 PM
Marcus Smart got some good news about his chances for winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Sunday masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 8:27 PM
More on this storyline
Gary Washburn: #Celtics Marcus Smart becomes the first G since Gary Payton to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award. -via Twitter @GwashburnGlobe / April 18, 2022
Jeff Zillgitt: Boston’s Marcus Smart (257 points) named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Phoenix’s Mikal Bridges (202) second, Utah’s Rudy Gobert (136) third and Miami’s Bam Adebayo (128) fourth. -via Twitter @JeffZillgitt / April 18, 2022
Mark Haynes: Steve Kerr didn’t know Jordan Poole wasn’t a finalist for the MIP award. “JP, that’s shocking to me. I didn’t know that…They all are worthy candidates, but I think Jordan should be in there.” -via Twitter @markhaynesnba / April 18, 2022