In Golden State, Draymond Green is often the difference-maker for the Warriors. His production may not look flattering on a stat sheet, but he gives his team a boost in ways that aren’t always countable, especially on the defensive end.
Marcus Smart is that guy for the Celtics, and it’s a comparison that not even Steve Kerr can avoid:
“His strength and his anticipation, he’s got an incredible feel for the game at that end,” the Warriors coach said Monday, per NBC Sports. “He’s like the guard version of Draymond. He’s reading angles, he’s guarding all five positions, if he switches on to a five man, he’s so strong, he can hold them off. He’s quick enough to chase point guards around, big enough to guard wings so he can literally guard 1-5 in the modern game. He’s appropriately named, very smart player and really versatile and great, great defender.”
"He's like the guard version of Draymond."
Steve Kerr breaks down what makes Marcus Smart so special on defense. pic.twitter.com/EqZRECx3Bg
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 30, 2022
Marcus Smart is the Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. His perimeter defense against some of the NBA’s most talented scorers speaks volumes about his abilities at that end of the floor.
Of course, it also gave him the leverage to fire back against his critics and haters:
“I’ve always said that without those naysayers, the doubters, what we like to call haters, I wouldn’t be able to go out there and do what I do. They inspire me to continue to strive to be the greatest I can be at what I do. So, what I have to say to them is thank you. Keep it up,” said Smart, per Michael C. Wright of NBA.com.
Steve Kerr showed Smart a lot of respect with the Draymond comparison, but he’s not nearly as accomplished as the Warriors veteran. And to truly lump himself in the same category as him, Smart is going to have to close the deal in these Finals and find a way to best his opponents.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, but it’s about time that one of the NBA’s best defenders is getting his due respect.
