Is veteran Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart really the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) for the 2021-22 season? Currently, the odds-on favorite for an award last handed out to a backcourt player during the Bill Clinton presidency (and to Celtics alumnus Gary Payton, Sr., no less), Smart’s case has been growing by the day and is backed up by his absurdly good defensive play on the court.

Whether he is blocking superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo or shutting down Trae Young, the Flower Mound native has a case to be reckoned with the likes of which we have not seen from a guard since The Glove was terrorizing the league.

The hosts of the CLNS “Garden Report” podcast recently discussed Smart’s case for the honor, as well as where he stands in the history of great defenders in a recent episode.

Check out the clip embedded above to hear their takes in full.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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