Marcus Smart is considered the defensive general of the Celtics. While most of the Celtics' core is built around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Smart's role in the team is still extremely important.
Smart is one of the most aggressive on-ball defenders in the NBA, with him taking the responsibility of guarding some of the best players on the opposition teams, regardless of the size advantage they may have over him.
Smart prides himself on playing strong and aggressive defense. While he can put up decent numbers on the offensive end as a scorer, Smart is best known for his rugged defense.
But how is Smart able to motivate himself to be one of the best defenders in the world? What motivates him to give his all on that end of the court? Well according to Smart, it isn't about his talent, but more about his will to win.
On Twitter, Smart replied to a fan who asked him what it takes to be a great defender. Smart replied saying that it is more about your desire to play good defense rather than any given talent. He said that to play great defense requires a lot of fight and grit.
Takes little “talent” to play defense. Takes a wholelotta “want to”. Get every 50/50 ball. If you’re not quik defensively—get strong. Strength hides weaknesses. Take charges. Be a gr8 teammate. Compete. Never be ok w losing. No one remembers the 2nd US President. Only the 1st.
The Celtics recently re-signed Smart to a lucrative contract, but one that allows them to continue building a solid team around Smart, Tatum, and Brown. The young trio is the new core for the Celtics as they look to get back to championship contention.
For Smart, his abilities on the defensive end make him one of the cornerstones of the Celtics' franchise. The energy and commitment he brings to the defensive end of the court are what makes him so important to Boston going forward.
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