Marcus Smart, Celtics Guard, Wins Third NBA Hustle Award
Marcus Smart, the gritty and tenacious guard for the Boston Celtics, has once again been recognized for his relentless work ethic and hustle on the court. Smart has been named the winner of the NBA’s Hustle Award for the third time in his career, joining an elite group of players who have earned the honor multiple times.
The NBA Hustle Award is given to the player who consistently puts forth the most effort and energy on the court. The award takes into account a variety of factors, including deflections, loose balls recovered, charges taken, and contested shots. It’s a testament to a player’s dedication and willingness to do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed in the box score.
Smart’s win this year is especially impressive considering he missed a significant portion of the season due to injury. Despite playing in just 46 games, Smart was still able to make a significant impact on the Celtics’ success. He averaged 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while also providing his trademark defense and leadership.
Smart’s third Hustle Award puts him in rare company. He joins Draymond Green, Montrezl Harrell, and Patrick Beverley as the only players to win the award three times since its inception in 2017. It’s a testament to Smart’s consistency and dedication to his craft.
In an interview after the announcement, Smart spoke about what the award means to him. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the effort and energy I bring to the court every night,” he said. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my teammates, coaches, and the entire Celtics organization. I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Smart’s hustle and intensity are infectious, and they have endeared him to Celtics fans since he was drafted in 2014. His energy on the court is matched only by his passion for the game, and it’s clear that he takes great pride in being recognized as one of the league’s hardest workers.
As the Celtics look to bounce back from a disappointing season, they can take solace in the fact that they have a leader in Smart who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His third NBA Hustle Award is just further proof of that fact, and it’s a well-deserved recognition for one of the league’s most underrated players.
