Career Timeline of Marcus Smart: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Marcus Smart built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Marcus Smart is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He previously played college basketball for Oklahoma State University. Known for his tenacious defense, hustle, and leadership, Smart was drafted into the NBA and quickly became a key player. He is recognized for his playmaking abilities and willingness to make sacrifices for his team's success.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Celtics' Last NBA Finals Appearance

2010 was the Celtics' last NBA Finals appearance before Marcus Smart advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in his career on May 19, 2022.

2012: FIBA Americas Championship Record

In 2012, Smart set a new Team USA U18 record for steals over a five-game period at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Brazil, grabbing 18 steals.

April 17, 2013: Returned to OSU for Sophomore Season

On April 17, 2013, Smart announced he would return to Oklahoma State University for his sophomore season, forgoing the NBA draft.

November 19, 2013: Tied OSU Single Game Scoring Record

On November 19, 2013, Smart tied an Oklahoma State University (OSU) single game scoring record with 39 points.

April 7, 2014: Declared for the NBA Draft

On April 7, 2014, Smart declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.

June 26, 2014: Selected by Boston Celtics in NBA Draft

On June 26, 2014, Smart was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.

2014: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 2014, Marcus Smart was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.

March 18, 2015: Scored Season High 25 Points

On March 18, 2015, Smart scored a season-high 25 points in a 122–118 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 15, 2016: First Career Triple-Double

On January 15, 2016, Smart recorded his first career triple-double in a 117–103 victory over the Phoenix Suns. He scored 10 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds.

November 9, 2016: Season-High 20 Points

On November 9, 2016, Marcus Smart scored a then season-high 20 points in a 118–93 loss to the Washington Wizards.

January 7, 2017: Season High 22 Points

On January 7, 2017, Smart scored a season-high 22 points in a 117–108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 27, 2017: Season-High 23 Points

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 the Detroit Pistons.

June 29, 2018: Celtics Tendered Qualifying Offer

On June 29, 2018, the Celtics tendered a qualifying offer to make Smart a restricted free agent.

2018: Started Games Regularly for the Celtics

In 2018, Smart started playing games regularly for the Boston Celtics.

January 18, 2020: Career-High 37 Points

On January 18, 2020, Smart scored a career-high 37 points in a 123–119 loss to the Phoenix Suns and broke the Celtics record for three pointers in a single game.

August 16, 2021: Re-signed with the Celtics

On August 16, 2021, Smart re-signed with the Celtics to a four-year, $77 million contract extension.

2021: Named Celtics' Starting Point Guard

In 2021, Marcus Smart was named the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics.

2021: Named NBA All-Defensive First Team

In 2021, Smart was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, receiving more first-place votes than any other NBA player.

February 2022: Longest-Tenured Member of Celtics

As of February 2022, Smart was the longest-tenured member of the Celtics' team.

April 18, 2022: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

On April 18, 2022, Smart was named the 2021–22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first guard to win the award since 1996.

May 19, 2022: Playoff Career-High 12 Assists

On May 19, 2022, in Game 2 of the Eastern 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 the Miami Heat.

2022: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Smart was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals.

June 22, 2023: Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies

On June 22, 2023, Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal.

October 25, 2023: Grizzlies Debut

On October 25, 2023, Smart made his Grizzlies debut, recording 17 points, three assists, and two steals in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2023: Performance in 2023 NBA Playoffs

During the 2023 NBA playoffs, Smart averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 45.3% from the field, 36.1% from three-point range, and 80.0% from free throws.

2024: Averaged Career Best Stats

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; however, he played in only 20 games during the 2023–24 season due to injuries.

2024: Involvement in 2024 First-Round Pick Trade

In the trade on June 22, 2023, that sent Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Grizzlies also sent a top-four-protected 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State Warriors) to the Celtics.