​Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has officially chosen his jersey number with the Houston Rockets, and as expected, he’ll be wearing No. 36. Smart, who has logged 12 NBA seasons across four different franchises, is best known for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he wore No. 36 throughout his first and most prominent stretch in the league. If the Rockets’ history is any guide, Smart will also become the first player in franchise lore to sport No. 36, cementing a unique footnote in Houston’s storied NBA past.
Smart’s journey in the league has seen its share of ups and downs. After enduring two injury-plagued seasons spanning 2023 through 2025, he managed to rekindle his form last year with the Los Angeles Lakers. That return to form highlighted the aspects of his game that have long defined him: elite defense, relentless grit, and an unwavering willingness to hustle. In the 2024-25 season with the Lakers, Smart produced averages of 9.3 points, three assists, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game—a blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive disruption that underscored why he remains a valuable two-way contributor in the modern NBA.
Smart’s reputation extends beyond his numbers. He is a three-time recipient of the NBA Hustle Award, a nod to the energy, effort, and tenacity he brings to every matchup. That competitive edge is something Houston head coach Ime Udoka has long sought as he builds and molds a contender in a league where intensity and accountability often separate winners from also-rans. Udoka’s system emphasizes aggressive defense, disciplined decision-making, and a willingness to do the less glamorous work that makes star players’ offenses possible. In Smart, the Rockets are reportedly adding a veteran who embodies those exact traits, potentially providing the kind of seasoned leadership and tenacity that Udoka cherishes in his squads.
The decision to wear No. 36 is, in many ways, a continuation of Smart’s personal and professional brand. No. 36 is more than a numeral—it has become a symbol of his identity as a defender who relishes contact, thrives on the edge of the play, and consistently presses the tempo on both ends of the floor. For Houston fans, the sight of Smart in No. 36 is likely to evoke memories of the effort he has poured into every game throughout his career and the type of impact he can have when fully engaged.
Looking ahead, Smart’s fit with the Rockets appears to be crafted for both immediate impact and long-term development. He brings a proven track record as a defensive stalwart who can generate turnovers, frustrate opposing ball handlers, and provide leadership to younger players who are still learning the demands of professional basketball. His experience in different systems and his ability to adapt to new roles should serve him well as Houston continues to build its roster around a core of young talents and veteran mentors.
As Smart integrates into Houston’s rotation, expectations will center on how effectively he can blend his defensive principles with the Rockets’ offensive schemes. His playmaking—averaging roughly three assists per game last season—could help stabilize the second unit, while his off-ball movement and cutting can open frustration-free lanes for teammates to exploit. Additionally, his presence should push the Rockets’ practice standards and in-game decision-making, reinforcing a culture of accountability that Udoka has emphasized since taking the helm.
In sum, Marcus Smart’s choice of No. 36 with the Rockets marks not only a new chapter for a player who has long thrived on effort and defense but also a potential turning point for Houston as it seeks to elevate its competitive ceiling. His blend of experience, hustle, and competitive spirit, highlighted by three Hustle Awards, makes him a natural fit for a team aiming to make tangible progress in a demanding NBA landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Smart’s leadership and on-court impact translate into sustained success for the Rockets as the season unfolds.