Marcus Smart is the 2022 defensive player of the year(DPOY). 

Smart was a big factor on the Boston Celtics team that went from going to play in the tournament to number 2 seed. His defense raised the Celtics to being one of the top defensive teams in the league. 

It's very rare that guards win the DPOY. The DPOY usually goes to the forwards or centers. The only guards who won the DPOY award are Sidney Monciref, Alivn Robinson, Micheal Cooper, Micheal Jordan, Gary Payton and now Marcus Smart.

Smart is lifting up the Celtics defense mentality as you can see through the regular season and playoffs. Celtics are up 2-0 against the Brooklyn Nets team who looks worn out. Kevin Durant looks worn out and Kyrie looks worn out as well. KD and Kyrie combined for 8-30 field goal in game 2. The defense is led by the DPOY. 

Smart ranked seventh in the NBA in steals per game which is 1.68. Smart ranked fifth among all NBA guards with a defensive rating of 105.2. Smart is the eighth Celtic player to win the DPOY. 

Smart is showing the league that the guards need to be respected more when they get mentioned for DPOY.