The NBA announced that Marcus Smart has been awarded the KIA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. He is the first guard to be named NBA Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season. Smart is also the second player to win the award with the Celtics, joining Kevin Garnett (2007-08).

Marcus Smart is the first guard to be named NBA Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season. Smart is also the second player to win the award with the @celtics, joining Kevin Garnett (2007-08).

More ➡️ https://t.co/Y4VQicGkiq

Full voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9WX2L25o4M

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 18, 2022

Payton, who also played for the Celtics during the 2004-05 season, visited Smart and the Celtics to personally to announce him as the winner, igniting much celebration on their practice court.

A special moment today celebrating the heart and soul of our team, @smart_MS3 ☘️ pic.twitter.com/OPcgYbMmxt

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2022