Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart isn’t exactly a fan of the NBA Defensive Player Of The Year Award.

“I don’t see why it’s so hard for a guard to win (NBA Defensive Player of the Year),” Smart said following Boston’s win over Detroit Saturday night.

“We all know it’s a popularity contest. You’ve got me and (Robert Williams), we’re not even in the discussion for it on the best defensive team in the league. I mean, I think that says enough for us.”

Smart has had just one season in his career where he’s averaged less than 1.5 steals per game, and it’s a very widely shared take that the 27-year-old guard is often overlooked. Despite being just 6-foot-3, the eight-year Celtic has not had one season with less than 0.3 blocks per game.

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