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 known for his exceptional defensive abilities. Currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he previously played for the Boston Celtics. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, becoming only the second point guard ever to receive this honor. He has also been selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times. Prior to his NBA career, Smart played college basketball at Oklahoma State University.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Celtics Last NBA Finals Appearance

Marcus Smart advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in his career, marking the Celtics' first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.

2012: Team USA U18 Record

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

April 17, 2013: Smart Returns to OSU

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

November 19, 2013: 39 Points Against Memphis

On November 19, 2013, Marcus Smart scored 39 points leading the #7-seed Oklahoma State Cowboys past the #11-seed Memphis.

April 7, 2014: Declared for NBA Draft

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

June 26, 2014: Drafted by Celtics

On June 26, 2014, Marcus 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 by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft.

2014: Record in NCAA Tournament

In the first game of the 2014 NCAA tournament, Marcus Smart became the first player in tournament history to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

March 18, 2015: Season-High 25 Points

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

January 15, 2016: First Career Triple-Double

On January 15, 2016, Marcus Smart recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a victory over the Phoenix Suns.

November 9, 2016: Season-High 20 Points

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

January 7, 2017: Season-High 22 Points

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

November 27, 2017: Season-High 23 Points

On November 27, 2017, Marcus Smart scored a season-high 23 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

June 29, 2018: Qualifying Offer from Celtics

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

2018: Starting Point Guard for Celtics

In 2018, Marcus Smart became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics.

January 18, 2020: Career-High 37 Points

On January 18, 2020, Marcus Smart scored a career-high 37 points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, breaking the Celtics record for three pointers in a single game with 11.

August 16, 2021: Contract Extension with Celtics

On August 16, 2021, Marcus 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 Celtics' starting point guard.

2021: Named Defensive Player of the Year

In 2021-22 season, Marcus Smart was named the NBA All-Defensive Player of the Year on April 18, 2022, and was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, receiving more first-place votes than any other NBA player.

February 2022: Longest-Tenured Celtic

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

April 18, 2022: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

On April 18, 2022, Marcus Smart was named the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996.

May 19, 2022: Playoff Career-High Assists

On May 19, 2022, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Marcus Smart recorded a playoff career-high 12 assists along with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in a victory over the Miami Heat.

2022: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2022, Marcus Smart helped the Boston Celtics reach the NBA Finals.

2022: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Marcus Smart was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming only the second point guard after Gary Payton to win the award.

June 22, 2023: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

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

October 25, 2023: Grizzlies Debut

On October 25, 2023, Marcus Smart made his Grizzlies debut, recording 17 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2023: 2023 NBA Playoffs Performance

During the 2023 NBA playoffs, Marcus Smart averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, showcasing his overall contributions.

2024: All-Star Break Averages

At the 2024 NBA All-Star break, Marcus Smart averaged a career-best 14.4 points and 2.0 steals while playing 30.2 minutes per game.

2024: Pick Conveyed

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

February 6, 2025: Traded to Washington Wizards

On February 6, 2025, Marcus Smart was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade.

July 2025: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

In July 2025, Marcus Smart signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after a buyout with the Wizards.

July 22, 2025: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 22, 2025, Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

April 24, 2026: Strong defensive performance against Houston Rockets

On April 24, 2026, during Game 3 of the first round against the Houston Rockets, Marcus Smart had a strong defensive performance, recording 21 points and 10 assists.

June 2: Made his Finals debut

On June 2, Marcus Smart made his Finals debut against the Golden State Warriors and finished the 120–108 road victory with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.