Marcus Smart is one of the smartest and best defensive players in the NBA. He plays for the Boston Celtics and he has been an integral part of the Celtics for years. He is also very versatile and can take on any role needed by the team.

Smart was drafted sixth overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Celtics. He has played for the Celtics his entire career. Every year, he has slowly increased his scoring and playmaking numbers while anchoring the team’s defense.

Jan 31, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts to missing a shot against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports| Reuters

Smart is the player who plays at the 5 whenever the Celtics decide to go small. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and he has been named in the All NBA Defensive first team twice.

Smart played for Oklahoma State University at the college level. He played for them for 2 years, unlike other college players, who finish one year to satisfy the NBA requirements. Smart was good enough to enter the NBA at 19, but he decided to stay for another year.

Marcus Smart speaks up about his difficult childhood

Smart was recently on The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick. He was asked by Reddick why he went back to college another year. Smart answered, “Truly, because growing up, I didn’t really have a childhood. You know, I became the man of my family very early on once I lost my brother….So when I got to college, I’m like, dang. Like, I got room to sleep in? And I was sleeping on the couch at the crib. I’m the youngest. Like, dang,”

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“I got a fight for the bathroom with three older guys, like two other guys. Like, come on, man. Like, I got my own room… I’m loving college right now. I’m loving it. And, you know, I get to play with my best friend. And so I was like, You know what? I’ll give it one more shot. You know, the NBA isn’t going anywhere.”

And in the end, it worked out well for Smart. He got drafted sixth, which may not be the case if he left for the NBA in 2013. The year Smart decided to stay back, he was one of the 30 finalists for college player of the year. Playing another year boosted Smart’s profile and gave him an opportunity to play for one of the NBA’s greatest franchises.

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