Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Didn’t Hold Back on Toughest Opponent

Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart recently shared his thoughts on Thursday about the toughest player to guard in the league.

On the "Run Your Race" podcast, Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart discussed with Theo Pinson the most challenging NBA players to defend.

The conversation eventually centered on two standout players, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

When asked to choose the toughest between the two, Smart didn't hesitate to give the nod to Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Shai is tough," Smart said. "He ain't chilling no more... He really ain't chilling no more. Imma give it to Shai on this one."

Smart is known for his rugged, gritty defense both from his time at Oklahoma State and throughout his NBA career with the Boston Celtics and now the Memphis Grizzlies.

He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season, becoming only the sixth guard in NBA history to win the award.

Additionally, Smart has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times and is a three-time NBA Hustle Award winner.

Gilgeous-Alexander on the other hand has emerged as a superstar in the NBA. Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged over 30 points, 5+ rebounds, and nearly six assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field.

He finished in the top five of the NBA MVP race last season, narrowly missing out behind three-time winner Nikola Jokic.

Considering all of Gilgeous-Alexander's achievements and what he's shown on the court, NBA fans would probably agree that Smart's take is spot on.

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