Marcus Smart continues to be a stabilizing force amid his eighth season in Boston.
The longest-tenured Celtic, selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, has fully embraced his role as the team's veteran leader. He consistently sets an example for his teammates with his unmatched hustle on the court.
That hustle has resulted in two All-Defensive First Team nods and a reputation as one of the league's best defensive players. Smart also has taken a significant leap forward with his playmaking over the last couple of seasons, showing he has what it takes to thrive as the team's starting point guard going forward.
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It's no coincidence the Celtics are 10-1 since Smart's return to the lineup on Jan. 23. The 27-year-old is a +184 and averaging 12.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game during that span. There's a noticeable energy boost when Smart is on the court, and that has helped Boston become the hottest team in the NBA.
Barring any surprises, Smart will remain with the C's for the foreseeable future. The heart and soul of the franchise signed a four-year, $77.1 million extension in August that will begin in the 2022-23 campaign.
Learn more about Smart's veteran leadership in the video above, presented by VA.