Marcus Osmond Smart (born March 6, 1994) is an American professionalbasketball player for theLos Angeles Lakers of theNational Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest[1][2][3] and most versatile[4][5][6] defenders of his generation, he has been selected to theNBA All-Defensive First Team thrice and was theNBA Defensive Player of the Year in2022, becoming only the second point guard afterGary Payton to do so. He playedcollege basketball for theOklahoma State Cowboys.
Smart was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the2014 NBA Draft. He initially came off the bench for theCeltics before becoming the starting point guard in 2018. Smart helped the Celtics reach theNBA Finals in2022. After eight seasons in Boston, he was traded to theMemphis Grizzlies, where he greatly struggled with injuries. As a result, he was traded to theWashington Wizards in 2025. In July 2025, Smart signed a two-year contract with theLos Angeles Lakers as a free agent, following a buyout agreement with theWashington Wizards and subsequent clearance through waivers.
Marcus Osmond Smart was born on March 6, 1994, inFlower Mound, Texas, to Billy Frank Smart and Camellia Smart, who died ofmyelodysplastic syndrome on September 16, 2018.[7][8] He has four older brothers: Todd Westbrook (deceased), Jeff Westbrook, Jacob Smart and Michael Smart.[9] Smart attendedEdward S. Marcus High School inFlower Mound, Texas, along with one of his future Oklahoma State teammates, Phillip Forte.[10] As a senior, Smart averaged 15.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.[11] In high school, Smart achieved a record of 115–6 through three seasons and was a two-time 5A state champion. He was also named aMcDonald's All-American and was an ESPNHS first team All-American.[11] Smart went on to set a new Team USA U18 record for steals over a five-game period when he grabbed 18 during the 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Brazil.[12]
Smart played youth football until the sixth grade and continues to enjoy playing tennis in his spare time.[13]
Considered a five-star recruit byESPN.com, Smart was listed as the No. 1 shooting guard and the No. 10 player in the nation in 2012.[14]
During his freshman year atOklahoma State, Smart led the Cowboys to a 24–8 record and they finished in third place in the Big 12 behindKansas andKansas State. He averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game and led the Big 12 in steals with 99 and averaged 3.0 per game. Smart and the Cowboys earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament that year, clinching a #5 seed in the Midwest Region. During the first round of the tournament though, the Cowboys were eliminated by the #12 seedOregon. On April 17, 2013, Smart held a press conference in the student union at OSU and announced that he would not declare for the NBA draft and instead return to OSU for his sophomore season.[15] Smart's 99 steals set a freshman record in the Big 12.[16]
On November 19, 2013, Smart tied an OSU single game scoring record with 39 points leading the #7-seed Oklahoma State Cowboys past the #11-seedMemphis. On February 8, 2014, during a game atTexas Tech, Smart shoved a fan in the stands after a verbal altercation in the closing minutes of the game, and received a technical foul. Reports after the game stated that Smart claimed the fan yelled a racial slur at him. At a press conference the following afternoon, Smart would not comment on that element of the altercation, and coachTravis Ford chose not to address it. The fan denied using a racial slur and stated that he called Smart "a piece of crap." Audio from the incident confirmed the fan's account.[17] Smart was subsequently suspended for three games and the fan agreed not to attend any further Texas Tech games during the 2013–14 season.[18][19]
Later that season, Smart was named one of the 30 finalists for theNaismith College Player of the Year.[20] In the first game of the2014 NCAA tournament, the Cowboys lost toGonzaga. Smart finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals, becoming the first player in tournament history to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals.[21]
During his two seasons at Oklahoma State, Smart averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 33.1 minutes per game.[22] On April 7, 2014, he declared for theNBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.[23]
On June 26, 2014, Smart was selected with the sixth overall pick in the2014 NBA draft by theBoston Celtics.[24] He joined the Celtics for the2014 NBA Summer League,[25] and signed with the team on July 10.[26] In just his fifth NBA game, Smart sprained his left ankle during a 101–98 victory over theIndiana Pacers on November 7. He underwent an MRI following the game and was ruled out for two to three weeks.[27] After missing 10 games with the injury, Smart returned to action on December 3 against theDetroit Pistons.[28] The next day, he was assigned to theMaine Red Claws of theNBA Development League.[29] Smart was recalled the next day after playing in Maine's victory over theErie BayHawks.[30] On March 18, 2015, he scored a season-high 25 points in a 122–118 loss to theOklahoma City Thunder.[31] Three days later, Smart was suspended for one game without pay for hittingSan Antonio Spurs forwardMatt Bonner in the groin the previous night.[32] On May 18, Smart was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, garnering 142 points in the voting process.[33]
On July 16, 2015, while playing for the Celtics at the2015 Las Vegas Summer League, Smart dislocated two fingers on his right hand.[34] On November 15, Smart scored a career-high 26 points in a 100–85 victory over theOklahoma City Thunder.[35] Between November 22 and December 26, he missed 18 games with a lower left leg injury. Smart returned to action on December 27 against theNew York Knicks, scoring six points in 13 minutes off the bench.[36] On January 15, 2016, in a 117–103 victory over thePhoenix Suns, he recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, becoming the first Celtics player to record a triple-double off the bench sinceArt Williams did so in 1971.[37] On January 31, Smart tied his career high of 26 points in a 119–114 loss to theOrlando Magic.[38]
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On November 9, 2016, Smart scored a then season-high 20 points in a 118–93 loss to theWashington Wizards.[39] On December 25, he scored 15 points and made a tie-breaking three-pointer with 47 seconds left to help the Celtics claim a 119–114 victory over theNew York Knicks.[40] On January 7, 2017, Smart scored a season-high 22 points in a 117–108 victory over theNew Orleans Pelicans.[41]
During Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, Smart, who started in place of the injuredIsaiah Thomas, made seven three-pointers and scored 27 points to help the Celtics defeat theCleveland Cavaliers 111–108.[42] The Celtics were blown out in the first two games of the series and came back from a 21-point deficit in the third quarter of Game 3. Boston went on to lose the series in five games.
On November 27, 2017, Smart scored a season-high 23 points, making 6-of-9 from three-point range, in a 118–108 loss to theDetroit Pistons.[43] He missed 11 games between January 24 and February 14 after cutting his hand on glass at the team hotel in Los Angeles.[44][45] On March 16, 2018, Smart was ruled out for the rest of the regular season with a torn ligament in his right thumb.[46] After missing the Celtics' first four games of the playoffs, Smart returned for Game 5 of the first-round series against theMilwaukee Bucks. He came off the bench and had nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in a 92–87 victory, helping the Celtics take a 3–2 lead.[47]
On June 29, 2018, the Celtics tendered a qualifying offer to make Smart arestricted free agent.[48][49] On July 19, he re-signed with the Celtics to a four-year, $52 million contract.[50][51] On November 9, Smart had his first double-double of the season with 13 points and a season-high 10 assists in a 123–115 loss to theUtah Jazz.[52] Smart missed the end of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs with a leftoblique tear.[53] He returned during the second round of the playoffs.[54] Following the season, Smart was named to theNBA All-Defensive First Team.[55]
On January 18, 2020, Smart dropped a career-high 37 points in a 123–119 loss to thePhoenix Suns. He went 11 for 22 from three in the game, breaking the Celtics record for three pointers in a single game.[56] On March 20, Smart was tested positive forCOVID-19 after fellow NBA playerRudy Gobert was tested positive eight days prior, which had caused the NBA season to suspend indefinitely. Smart was one of the first NBA players to speak out publicly regarding the concerns of COVID-19 and how the community should not take the disease lightly.[57] On March 29, he was cleared from COVID-19.[58] After the season, Smart was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the second time.[59]
On April 28, 2021, Smart was suspended for one game without pay for directing threatening language towards a game official.[60]
On August 16, 2021, the Celtics re-signed Smart to a four-year, $77 million contract extension. During the summer of 2021, new head coachIme Udoka named Smart the team's starting point guard;[61][62] he remained in that role throughout the season and during the Celtics' 2022 playoff run.[61] Both Fox Sports and Deadspin have credited Smart's move to the starting point guard role as a major catalyst for the team's successful 2021–22 season.[61][63] On October 14, 2021, he was suspended for the team's final preseason game for missing a team flight toFlorida.[64] As of February 2022, Smart was the longest-tenured member of the Celtics' team.[65]
Smart was named the 2021–22NBA Defensive Player of the Year on April 18, 2022, the first guard to win the award sinceGary Payton won it in 1996.[66] Smart became the fifth guard in NBA history (alongsideMichael Jordan,Gary Payton,Sidney Moncrief, andAlvin Robertson) to win the award.[67] He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, receiving more first-place votes than any other NBA player.[68]
On May 19, 2022, in Game 2 of theEastern Conference Finals, Smart recorded a playoff career-high 12 assists along with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in a 127–102 victory over theMiami Heat to tie the series at 1–1.[69] Ten days later in Game 7, he logged 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals during a 100–96 victory, advancing to theNBA Finals for the first time in his career, and the Celtics' first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.[70] During Game 3 of the Finals, Smart posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a 116–100 victory over theGolden State Warriors.[71] The Celtics took a 2–1 series lead, but eventually lost in six games.[72]
In the 2023 NBA playoffs, Smart averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He averaged 34 minutes played per game, shot 45.3% from the field overall, made 36.1% of three-point attempts, and made 80% of free throw attempts. Smart had only 1.9 fouls times per game, and turned the ball over 2.3 times per game.[73]
On June 22, 2023, Smart was traded to theMemphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that sentKristaps Porziņģis to the Celtics andTyus Jones to Washington. The trade also involved the Grizzlies sending a 2023 first-round pick (pick No. 25) and a top-four-protected 2024 first-round pick (viaGolden State Warriors) to the Celtics. Additionally, theWashington Wizards acquiredDanilo Gallinari,Mike Muscala, and Boston's 2023 second-round pick (pick No. 35).[74][75]
On October 25, 2023, Smart made his Grizzlies debut, putting up 17 points, three assists, and two steals in a 111–104 loss to theNew Orleans Pelicans.[76] At the 2024 NBA All-Star break, Smart averaged a career best 14.4 points alongside 2.0 steals while playing 30.2 minutes per game.[77] However, he only appeared in 20 games during the2023–24 season due to injuries. Smart played in just one game following the All-Star break, a 121–118 overtime loss to theSacramento Kings on March 18, where he played just five minutes without recording a single stat in any category.[78]
On February 6, 2025, Smart was traded to theWashington Wizards along withColby Jones andAlex Len forJohnny Davis,Marvin Bagley III, and a 2025 second-round pick in a three-team trade that sentJake LaRavia to theSacramento Kings.[79]
On July 20, Smart was waived by the Wizards after a contract buyout agreement.[80]
On July 22, 2025, Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with theLos Angeles Lakers.[81] In December 2025, Smart was fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture towards a game official at halftime during a game against theUtah Jazz.[82]
Smart plays both the point guard and shooting guard positions,[83][62] but was named the Celtics' starting point guard in 2021. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) with a 6-foot-9-inch (2.06 m) wingspan, he is capable of guarding all five positions, enabling him to play a switching defense with historic efficiency.[61]
Smart has earned a reputation as a hustle player. He is known for diving for loose balls and taking charges, and has been nicknamed "the Cobra" as a result.[84] Due to his physicality, quick hands, and elite basketball IQ,[85] many consider Smart to be one of the most versatile and consistent defenders in the NBA.[86]
Although not a high percentage shooter, Smart is aggressive on offense and defense. He often guards opposing players taller than he is, using his physicality to make them uncomfortable and often causing turnovers or missed shots.[87] Over his years in the league, Smart's three-point shooting has improved.[88] His former teammate,Kemba Walker, describes the energy Smart brings to the game: "It's exciting. It's energizing. He just gets everybody going. Gets us going, gets the crowd going. Like I said, we just kinda feed off him. He just does so many great things. And propels our defense each and every night."[89]
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Boston | 67 | 38 | 27.0 | .367 | .335 | .646 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 1.5 | .3 | 7.8 |
| 2015–16 | Boston | 61 | 10 | 27.3 | .348 | .253 | .777 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 1.5 | .3 | 9.0 |
| 2016–17 | Boston | 79 | 24 | 30.4 | .359 | .284 | .812 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 1.6 | .4 | 10.6 |
| 2017–18 | Boston | 54 | 11 | 29.9 | .367 | .301 | .729 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 1.3 | .4 | 10.2 |
| 2018–19 | Boston | 80 | 60 | 27.5 | .422 | .364 | .806 | 2.9 | 4.0 | 1.8 | .4 | 8.9 |
| 2019–20 | Boston | 60 | 40 | 32.0 | .375 | .347 | .836 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 1.7 | .5 | 12.9 |
| 2020–21 | Boston | 48 | 45 | 32.9 | .398 | .330 | .790 | 3.5 | 5.7 | 1.5 | .5 | 13.1 |
| 2021–22 | Boston | 71 | 71 | 32.3 | .418 | .331 | .793 | 3.8 | 5.9 | 1.7 | .3 | 12.1 |
| 2022–23 | Boston | 61 | 61 | 32.1 | .415 | .336 | .746 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 1.5 | .4 | 11.5 |
| 2023–24 | Memphis | 20 | 20 | 30.2 | .430 | .313 | .768 | 2.7 | 4.3 | 2.1 | .3 | 14.5 |
| 2024–25 | Memphis | 19 | 6 | 21.1 | .358 | .322 | .833 | 2.3 | 3.7 | 1.2 | .3 | 8.7 |
| Washington | 15 | 1 | 18.7 | .440 | .392 | .686 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 1.1 | .2 | 9.3 | |
| Career | 635 | 387 | 29.5 | .388 | .324 | .776 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 1.6 | .4 | 10.6 | |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Boston | 4 | 3 | 22.5 | .483 | .231 | .533 | 2.8 | 1.3 | .3 | .3 | 9.8 |
| 2016 | Boston | 6 | 1 | 32.2 | .367 | .344 | .810 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 1.7 | .8 | 12.0 |
| 2017 | Boston | 18 | 3 | 29.9 | .351 | .397 | .640 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 1.5 | .9 | 8.6 |
| 2018 | Boston | 15 | 4 | 29.9 | .336 | .221 | .735 | 3.7 | 5.3 | 1.7 | .7 | 9.8 |
| 2019 | Boston | 2 | 0 | 16.0 | .091 | .091 | .667 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 | .0 | 3.5 |
| 2020 | Boston | 17 | 16 | 38.1 | .394 | .333 | .875 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 1.2 | .5 | 14.5 |
| 2021 | Boston | 5 | 5 | 36.0 | .439 | .372 | .714 | 4.4 | 6.0 | 1.0 | .2 | 17.8 |
| 2022 | Boston | 21 | 21 | 36.2 | .405 | .350 | .806 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 1.2 | .2 | 15.4 |
| 2023 | Boston | 20 | 20 | 34.0 | .453 | .361 | .800 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 1.3 | .3 | 14.9 |
| Career | 108 | 73 | 33.1 | .396 | .334 | .762 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 1.3 | .5 | 12.8 | |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | Oklahoma State | 33 | 32 | 33.5 | .404 | .290 | .777 | 5.8 | 4.2 | 3.0 | .7 | 15.4 |
| 2013–14 | Oklahoma State | 31 | 31 | 32.7 | .422 | .299 | .728 | 5.9 | 4.8 | 2.9 | .6 | 18.0 |
| Career | 64 | 63 | 33.1 | .413 | .295 | .751 | 5.9 | 4.5 | 2.9 | .6 | 16.6 | |
Marcus Smart, who has been out since tearing a muscle in his side during the second-to-last game of the regular season, played 15 minutes and scored three points, making 1 of 7 attempts from 3-point range.
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