History of Marcus Smart in Timeline
Marcus Osmond Smart is a professional basketball player from the United States. He currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Before turning pro, Smart played college basketball at Oklahoma State University, where he gained recognition for his skills and athleticism. His successful college career paved the way for his entry into the NBA.
1996: Gary Payton Wins DPOY
In 1996, Gary Payton won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
2010: Celtics' Last NBA Finals Appearance Before 2022
The year 2010 marked the Boston Celtics' last appearance in the NBA Finals before their 2022 run.
June 29, 2018: Celtics Tender Qualifying Offer and Re-signing
On June 29, 2018, the Celtics tendered a qualifying offer to Marcus Smart, making him a restricted free agent. Later, on July 19, 2018, he re-signed with the Celtics on a four-year, $52 million contract.
January 18, 2020: Career-High 37 Points and Celtics Record for Threes
On January 18, 2020, Marcus Smart scored a career-high 37 points against the Phoenix Suns, despite the Celtics losing. He set a new Celtics record for three-pointers made in a single game by making 11 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc.
March 29, 2020: Cleared from COVID-19
On March 29, 2020, Marcus Smart was cleared from COVID-19, after being one of the first NBA players to test positive and publicly address concerns about the virus.
April 28, 2021: Suspension for Threatening Language
On April 28, 2021, Marcus Smart was suspended for one game without pay for using threatening language towards a game official.
August 16, 2021: Re-signs with Celtics
On August 16, 2021, Marcus Smart re-signed with the Boston Celtics on a four-year, $77 million contract extension.
October 14, 2021: Suspended for Missing Team Flight
On October 14, 2021, Marcus Smart was suspended for the Celtics' final preseason game due to missing a team flight to Florida.
February 2022: Longest-Tenured Celtic
By February 2022, Marcus Smart became the longest-tenured player on the Boston Celtics roster.
April 18, 2022: NBA Defensive Player of the Year
On April 18, 2022, Marcus Smart was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996, and the fifth guard in NBA history to receive the honor. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
May 19, 2022: Playoff Career-High Assists and Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Win
On May 19, 2022, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Smart achieved a playoff career-high of 12 assists, contributing to the Celtics' 127-102 victory over the Miami Heat, tying the series 1-1.
June 22, 2023: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies
On June 22, 2023, Marcus Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal involving Kristaps Porziņģis and Tyus Jones.
October 25, 2023: Grizzlies Debut
Marcus Smart made his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25, 2023, scoring 17 points in a loss against 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.