Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins took home this season’s NBA Rookie of the Year Award with a whopping 110 votes, but Marcus Smart’s efforts didn’t go completely unnoticed.
The Boston Celtics point guard finished fifth in the award voting behind Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, Phildelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel and Orlando Magic point guard Elfrid Payton. Smart received one second-place vote and three third-place votes.
With 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, Smart’s numbers were far from flashy this season. But the 21-year-old Oklahoma State product was able to deliver more than statistics, landing a starting role just two months into his NBA career. In a way, Smart’s surprising season was a lot like the Celtics’.
Boston picked Smart sixth overall knowing that he was a good defensive player with plenty of holes in his offensive game. And while Smart still isn’t a whiz on offense, he was able to hits shots when they mattered, touting a 53.8 3-point percentage in clutch situations.
So although Smart couldn’t touch Wiggins in the Rookie of the Year voting, the fact he was able to pick up a few votes is promising.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports Images
