Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been named the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.NBA LEAGUE PASS: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)Smart beat out Phoenix Suns wing Mikal Bridges for the award, earning 37 first-place votes and 257 total points to Bridges' 202 total points. Three-time winner Rudy Gobert finished third with 136 total points.The votes were compiled from a global panel of 100 Mark Bavaro Jersey sportswriters and broadcasters.Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.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 , joining Kevin Garnett (2007-08).More Full voting results NBA Communications (@NBAPR) Smart becomes the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1995-96 and the first Celtic since Kevin Garnett in 2007-08.It's only fitting that GP surprised Smart at Celtics practice today to present him Sterling Shepard Jersey the award.A special moment today celebrating the heart and soul of our team, Boston Celtics (@celtics) "That was awesome," on having Payton deliver the award."He was really the idol for the guards having even a chance, he set the bar high, he paved the way for us to have our names in that hat."Smart played a pivotal role as the leader of the Celtics'this season as they posted a defensive rating Markus Golden Jersey of106.2 and allowed the. They also held opponents to the lowest and .Starting 71 games this season, Smart posted averages of 12.1 points, a career-high 5.9 a sists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 32.3 minutes per game.The 28-year-old finished the season rankedand tied for sixth in total steals (119). He was also among the league leaders in several hustle stats,tied for f and tied for and NBA Defensive Player of the Year winnersSeasonWinner2021-22Marcus Smart, Celtics2020-21Rudy Gobert, Jazz2019-20Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks2018-19Rudy Gobert, Jazz2017-18Rudy Gobert, Jazz2016-17Draymond Green, Warriors2015-16Kawhi Leonard, Spurs2014-15Kawhi Leonard, Spurs2013-14Joakim Noah, Bulls2012-13Marc Gasol, Phil Simms Jersey Grizzlies2011-12Tyson Chandler, Knicks2010-11Dwight Howard, Magic2009-10Dwight Howard, Magic2008-09Dwight Howard, Magic2007-08Kevin Garnett, Celtics2006-07Marcus Camby, Nuggets2005- Wayne Gallman Jersey 06Ben Wallace, Pistons2004-05Ben Wallace, Pistons2003-04Metta World Peace, Pacers2002-03Ben Wallace, Pistons2001-02Ben Wallace, Pistons2000-01Dikembe Mutombo, 76ers1999-00Alonzo Mourning, Heat1998-99Alonzo Mourning, Heat1997-98Dikembe Mutombo, Hawks1996-97Dikembe Mutombo, Hawks1995-96Gary Payton, SuperSonics1994-95Dikembe Mutombo, Nuggets1993-94Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets1992-93Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets1991-92David Robinson, Spurs1990-91Dennis Rodman, Pistons1989-90Dennis Rodman, Pistons1988-89Mark Eaton, Jazz1987-88Michael Jordan, Bulls1986-87Michael Cooper, Lakers1985-86Alvin Robertson, Spurs1984-85Mark Eaton, Jazz1983-84Sidney Moncrief, Bucks1982-83Sidney Moncrief, Bucks