Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams acknowledged that Marcus Smart deserves the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, he admitted that he's disappointed Mikal Bridges didn't win it.

Bridges is definitely equally deserving of the honor, and that is proven by the fact that he finished second in DPOY voting. The Suns youngster accumulated a total of 202 points–highlighted by 22 first place votes. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to beat Smart who got 257 points behind 35 first place votes.

“One, congrats to Marcus, he's an amazing defender and has been for a long time, and he's finally getting his due. At the same time, I was a bit stung when Mikal didn't get it, but I was also happy he finished 2nd,” Williams said, per Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports.

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Marcus Smart is the first guard since Gary Payton (1995-96) to win DPOY, so it is quite the achievement. However, as Monty Williams hinted, the fact that Mikal Bridges finished second is indicative that the NBA is finally recognizing and taking a look at guards that make a huge impact beyond scoring.

Hopefully, though, Bridges wins the award soon as well. While it is not his focus, especially as he tries to help the Suns win the NBA title, it will be nice to see him get that recognition and prove to everyone that he is truly an elite defender.