Kerr: Smart the 'guard version' of Green

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a play against the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 3 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Kerr: Marcus Smart the 'guard version' of Draymond Green

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Alex Evans | Last updated 6/2/22

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart reminds Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr of one of his own players.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of the NBA Finals, Kerr said that Smart’s tenacity on defense was similar to that of Draymond Green.

“I kind of described Marcus yesterday as the guard version of Draymond,” Kerr said. “He’s just all over the place defensively. There’s a reason he won Defensive Player of the Year. He’s a great defender and probably an underrated offensive player as well.”

"The guard version of Draymond."

Steve Kerr has high praise for this year's DPOY Marcus Smart pic.twitter.com/RGzpAzVAp0

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) June 1, 2022

Kerr wasn’t the only person to heap praise onto Smart ahead of the NBA Finals.

Smart’s defensive prowess was on full display during the regular season. He finished the season with the seventh-most steals per game in the NBA (1.68), and was tied for sixth in total steals (119) as well.

While Smart is known more for his defense, he’s been productive on the opposite end of the court as well during the playoffs.

In 15 games, the 28-year-old has averaged 15.5 points and is shooting just under 40% from the field. Smart scored 24 points in Boston’s Game 7 win over the Miami Heat in the Western Conference Finals.

While Smart will play a key role in Boston’s success this series, he may have unintentionally provided some extra motivation for a Warriors team looking to win their fourth title in the last eight years.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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