• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Marcus Smart Wins Defensive Player of the Year On Discount

  • Last year’s DPOY is the highest-paid center in NBA history; Smart is the 90th-highest-paid player in the NBA this year.
  • He finished first in loose balls recovered (1.1) and fifth among guards for defensive rating (105.2).
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics have even more to cheer about days after a thrilling Game 1 victory over the Nets.

Marcus Smart became the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1995-96, and the two have something in common — they were both underpaid in their respective eras.

Payton made $2.8 million in 1995-96 — 82nd in the league that year. Smart’s $14.3 million is 90th — and a similar bargain for a team with the best defensive rating (106.2) and points allowed per game (104.5).

Smart is locked in for another four years and $77 million, accepting Boston’s offer after considering holding out for something in the $90 million range. 

For comparison, last year’s DPOY Rudy Gobert became the highest-paid center in NBA history (five years, $205M). 

Smart is the longest-tenured Celtic — and only the second player in franchise history — to win the award (Kevin Garnett, 2007-08).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How the Celtics Cut $500M Roster Bill Nearly By Half in 1..

Boston is now under the second tax apron for next season.

The 10 Biggest NBA Finals Upsets of All Time

The 2004-05 Pistons overcame huge odds against that year’s Lakers team.
Dec 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA Finals Ticket Prices Down 25%, Still Average Over $1,000

The NBA Finals tip off Thursday in Oklahoma City.
Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson’s $100 Million Discount Has Knicks Set Up for Years

The extension, which kicks in next year, gives New York precious flexibility.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
June 30, 2025

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
June 30, 2025

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 29, 2025

Malik Beasley Being Investigated in NBA Gambling Probe

If proven, the claims could lead to Beasley’s lifetime expulsion from the NBA.
Joopiter, Michael Jordan card
June 27, 2025

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
June 27, 2025

As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last six Grand Slams.
Jun 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) controls the ball as Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) defends during the first half at College Park Center.
June 27, 2025

Paige Bueckers Eyes Expanded Season, ‘Rightful Pay’ in New CBA

“The respect, attention, the accessibility—you see everything growing.”