Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Marcus Smart is an American professional basketball player known for his exceptional defensive abilities, leadership, and competitive mentality. Born on March 6, 1994, in Flower Mound, Texas, he established himself as one of the NBA’s most respected defensive guards during his career with the Boston Celtics. After playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers, Smart signed with the Houston Rockets in July 2026.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Marcus Smart has an emotional family story shaped by love, personal tragedy, and perseverance. He is married to entrepreneur Maisa Hallum, with whom he shares a son named Zayn Smart. His parents are Billy Frank Smart and the late Camellia Smart, while his three older brothers are Todd Westbrook, Jeff Westbrook, and Michael Smart. The deaths of his mother and eldest brother from cancer profoundly influenced his outlook on life and inspired his charitable efforts supporting seriously ill children.
Marcus Smart’s Wife: Who Is Maisa Hallum?
Marcus Smart is married to Maisa Hallum, an American entrepreneur and fashion designer known for co-founding the swimwear brand Sousa Swim.
The couple married on September 16, 2023, during a ceremony at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California.
Their wedding attracted considerable attention because several prominent NBA players and coaches attended the celebration.
Although Smart and Hallum have occasionally shared aspects of their relationship publicly, they generally prefer to maintain some privacy regarding their family life.
Who Is Maisa Hallum?
Maisa Hallum is a California-born entrepreneur with an interest in fashion, design, and business.
She co-founded Sousa Swim, a swimwear company, alongside her sister.
The brand focuses on fashionable swimwear designed to help women feel confident and comfortable.
According to a September 2023 profile published by People magazine, Hallum has a Middle Eastern cultural background that influenced several elements of her wedding celebration.
Beyond her business activities, Maisa has supported Marcus Smart’s professional basketball career and charitable initiatives.
She has attended his NBA games and participated in community events associated with his Young Game Changer Foundation.
Her involvement in Smart’s life extends beyond basketball, with the couple frequently celebrating important personal milestones together.
How Did Marcus Smart Meet Maisa Hallum?
Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum have been romantically linked since at least 2017, when photographs of them attending a public event together began circulating.
Although the couple has not extensively discussed the exact circumstances of their first meeting, their relationship developed over several years.
During Smart’s career with the Boston Celtics, Hallum became part of his personal support system.
She attended basketball games and participated in activities involving players’ families and community organisations.
Despite Smart’s demanding professional schedule, the couple maintained their relationship through his years in Boston and subsequent career transitions.
By December 2022, Smart had decided to propose marriage.
Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum’s Engagement
Marcus Smart proposed to Maisa Hallum on Christmas Day in December 2022.
The proposal attracted considerable media attention because it featured a surprise appearance from Hollywood actor Will Smith.
According to People magazine, Smart arranged for Smith, one of Hallum’s favourite actors, to record a special video message.
In the video, Smith wished Hallum a Merry Christmas before helping introduce Smart’s marriage proposal.
After the message ended, Smart presented Hallum with an engagement ring.
The memorable proposal was widely shared on social media and received congratulations from basketball fans, teammates, and celebrities.
Following their engagement, the couple began planning their wedding for September 2023.
Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum’s Wedding
Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum officially married on September 16, 2023, at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California.
The wedding ceremony was attended by approximately 300 guests, including relatives, friends, professional basketball players, and members of the Boston Celtics organisation.
Among the notable guests were Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams, Daniel Theis, and Gary Payton II.
Boston Celtics executives and coaches, including Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla, also attended the celebration.
The wedding became an emotional reunion for Smart and several former teammates because he had been traded from Boston to Memphis earlier that year.
The couple organised a three-day celebration to spend additional time with their loved ones.
According to People magazine, Maisa wore a custom Galia Lahav wedding dress, while Marcus wore a black tuxedo for the ceremony.
The couple exchanged personal vows before celebrating with their guests.
The reception included performances by rapper YG and singer Eric Bellinger.
Elements of Hallum’s Middle Eastern heritage were incorporated into the festivities, including traditional dance performances.
Following the wedding, the newlyweds planned a honeymoon in Bora Bora before Smart returned to his professional basketball commitments.
As of now, Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum remain publicly known as a married couple.
Does Marcus Smart Have Children?
Yes. Marcus Smart has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Zayn Smart, whom he shares with his wife, Maisa Hallum.
The couple announced in August 2024 that they were expecting their first child.
They shared the announcement through social media and revealed that they had chosen the name Zayn for their baby boy.
Zayn was born in 2024, marking an important new chapter in Marcus Smart’s personal life.
Zayn Smart – Marcus Smart’s Son
Zayn Smart is the first publicly confirmed child of Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum.
He was born in the autumn of 2024, approximately one year after his parents married.
Smart celebrated becoming a father while continuing his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
In December 2024, the basketball player brought his wife and their young son to TD Garden in Boston when Memphis faced the Celtics.
The visit was particularly meaningful because Smart had spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career representing Boston.
According to reporting by The Athletic, Zayn was approximately two months old during the family’s December visit.
Smart wanted to introduce his son to former teammates, coaches, and staff members who had become important people in his life.
He also wanted Zayn to experience the warm reception he received from Celtics supporters.
Although his son was too young to understand the moment, Smart hoped that he would eventually appreciate his father’s connection to Boston.
The appearance attracted attention from Celtics players, including Jaylen Brown, who congratulated Smart on becoming a father.
How Fatherhood Changed Marcus Smart
Becoming a father had a significant influence on Marcus Smart’s perspective regarding basketball and everyday life.
During an April 2025 interview with CelticsBlog, Smart explained that having a child helped him remain calmer when dealing with professional challenges.
He acknowledged that fatherhood had encouraged him to focus more on what mattered outside basketball.
Previously, injuries, trades, and difficult performances could become major sources of frustration.
However, spending time with his son gave him a different perspective and helped him manage disappointment.
Smart explained that he had become more accepting of circumstances beyond his control.
His experiences as a father also reflected lessons learned from his own childhood, particularly the importance of family relationships and being present for loved ones.
As of now, Zayn remains Marcus Smart’s only publicly confirmed child.
Who Are Marcus Smart’s Parents?
Marcus Smart was born to Billy Frank Smart and Camellia Smart in Texas on March 6, 1994.
He grew up in a working-class household where his parents emphasised responsibility, discipline, and perseverance.
Although his family experienced significant personal and financial challenges, both parents played important roles in his upbringing.
Smart’s mother became especially influential in developing the determination and competitive spirit that later defined his NBA career.
Marcus Smart’s Father: Billy Frank Smart
Billy Frank Smart is Marcus Smart’s father and an important figure in his upbringing.
He helped raise Marcus and his older brothers alongside his wife, Camellia.
During Marcus’s childhood, both parents worked to support their family, sometimes requiring the older siblings to help supervise the younger children.
According to a 2014 Boston Globe profile, Marcus’s eldest brother, Todd Westbrook, frequently looked after him while their parents were working.
Billy Frank was also involved in helping his family navigate significant difficulties, including serious illnesses affecting family members.
Marcus has spoken about the health challenges that affected both parents during his younger years.
Although Billy Frank has generally maintained a more private public profile than Camellia, his name appears in official NBA and Oklahoma State University basketball biographies.
Smart has acknowledged the importance of supporting his parents financially after becoming a professional athlete.
His determination to provide stability for his family became one of the motivating factors behind his basketball ambitions.
Marcus Smart’s Mother: Camellia Smart
Camellia Smart was Marcus Smart’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised Marcus and his older brothers in Texas while facing financial challenges and serious health problems.
According to ESPN and Boston Celtics reporting, Camellia was known for her outspoken personality, determination, and willingness to defend her family.
Those characteristics became closely associated with Marcus’s competitive playing style.
As a child, Smart developed a reputation for being energetic and occasionally difficult to control.
His mother encouraged him to direct that energy toward positive activities and maintain discipline.
She was also closely involved in his basketball career.
Even after Marcus entered the NBA, Camellia regularly watched his games and contacted him afterward to discuss his performances.
She was willing to criticise mistakes while continuing to provide emotional encouragement.
According to a profile published by the Boston Celtics, Camellia sometimes questioned her son’s free-throw shooting and decision-making during games.
However, those conversations always reflected her affection and desire to see him succeed.
Smart frequently described his mother as one of the strongest people he had ever known.
What Happened to Marcus Smart’s Mother?
Camellia Smart died on September 16, 2018, at the age of 63, following a battle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a serious bone marrow disorder.
She had already experienced significant medical difficulties before receiving her final diagnosis.
According to ESPN, Camellia required dialysis treatment because of kidney problems and had previously undergone major heart surgery.
In April 2018, Marcus revealed that his mother had been diagnosed with a serious form of bone marrow cancer.
At the time, Smart was recovering from surgery on his right thumb and preparing for the NBA playoffs.
Learning about Camellia’s illness created an emotional dilemma because he wanted to remain close to her while also fulfilling his basketball responsibilities.
However, his mother encouraged him to return to Boston and continue playing.
She explained that watching her son compete brought her happiness, even during treatment.
Smart subsequently helped the Celtics reach the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.
Throughout the offseason, he spent considerable time with his mother in Texas.
Unfortunately, Camellia died in September, shortly before the beginning of the 2018–19 NBA season.
Her death was particularly devastating because Marcus had already lost his eldest brother to cancer years earlier.
How Marcus Smart Honours His Mother’s Memory
Following Camellia’s death, Marcus Smart paid tribute to his mother through social media, tattoos, and personal gestures during basketball games.
He described her as his greatest supporter and one of the central sources of strength in his life.
According to a 2018 Boston Celtics feature, Smart had the words “God love you. I love you” tattooed on his right forearm.
The message reflected a phrase his mother regularly used when ending conversations with him.
He also wore basketball shoes featuring messages remembering her and her battle with cancer.
During the Celtics’ season opener in October 2018, Smart wore an elaborate outfit inspired by his mother’s affectionate description of him as her little king.
He explained that the clothing was a tribute to her memory.
Her influence remains visible in his approach to basketball, particularly his determination to compete with intensity and support teammates.
Marcus Smart’s Siblings: Meet His Three Older Brothers
Marcus Smart has three older brothers: Todd Westbrook, Jeff Westbrook, and Michael Smart.
Their names are confirmed in his official NBA biography and Oklahoma State University athletics records.
Marcus is the youngest of the four brothers.
Growing up alongside older siblings exposed him to competition, basketball, and valuable life lessons from an early age.
However, the brothers also experienced significant difficulties, including the death of Todd Westbrook in 2004.
Todd Westbrook – Marcus Smart’s Eldest Brother
Todd Westbrook was Marcus Smart’s eldest brother and one of the most influential figures in his childhood.
He was approximately 23 years older than Marcus and frequently acted as a parental figure while their mother and father worked.
Todd was also a talented basketball player during his teenage years.
He attended Lancaster High School in Texas, where he earned recognition as an outstanding player.
Unfortunately, Todd developed cancer when he was approximately 15 years old.
According to Sports Illustrated and ESPN, doctors discovered a tumour behind his eye, beginning a prolonged battle with the disease.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments, Todd attempted to continue playing basketball.
One particularly memorable moment occurred when he temporarily left hospital treatment to participate in a high school game.
Although one of his eyes was severely swollen, he reportedly scored 30 points.
His determination earned admiration from coaches, teammates, and local basketball supporters.
However, his medical condition continued deteriorating over the following years.
How Did Todd Westbrook Die?
Todd Westbrook died in 2004 at the age of 33 after approximately 18 years of battling cancer.
Marcus Smart was only nine years old when his eldest brother died.
The loss profoundly affected his emotional development and relationship with basketball.
In a 2017 Sports Illustrated interview, Smart explained that Todd had taught him important childhood skills, including riding a bicycle and completing schoolwork.
He also helped him understand the importance of discipline, responsibility, and perseverance.
Although Todd was significantly older, the brothers maintained a close relationship.
During the final stages of Todd’s illness, Marcus spent time with him in hospital.
According to a 2014 Boston Globe report, the brothers occasionally improvised small basketball games using rolled-up socks and a makeshift hoop.
The memory of those moments remained important to Marcus after his brother’s death.
He subsequently dedicated much of his basketball career to honouring Todd’s resilience.
Smart has explained that his defensive intensity reflects the determination his brother demonstrated while fighting cancer.
Todd’s experiences also inspired Smart to establish charitable programmes supporting seriously ill children.
Jeff Westbrook – Marcus Smart’s Older Brother
Jeff Westbrook is another of Marcus Smart’s older brothers.
Like Todd, Jeff played an important role in guiding Marcus through childhood and adolescence.
According to interviews published by ESPN and the Boston Globe, Jeff experienced personal difficulties while growing up and later encouraged Marcus to avoid making similar mistakes.
Following Todd’s death in 2004, Jeff and Michael spoke with their younger brother about the importance of pursuing opportunities that they had not been able to achieve.
Marcus subsequently explained that the conversation created a strong sense of responsibility toward his family.
Although the expectations were difficult for a young child to process, they became an important source of motivation.
Jeff encouraged Marcus to concentrate on basketball, education, and making positive decisions.
In interviews, Smart has acknowledged how his brothers’ experiences helped him understand the consequences of different choices.
Jeff has generally maintained a relatively private life outside his younger brother’s basketball career.
Further details about his current occupation and personal activities have not been extensively documented.
Michael Smart – Marcus Smart’s Older Brother
Michael Smart, sometimes called Mikey, is Marcus Smart’s older brother.
He grew up in Texas alongside Todd, Jeff, and Marcus.
Michael also played basketball during his younger years and was considered a promising athlete.
However, his personal circumstances became increasingly difficult during adolescence and early adulthood.
In a 2014 ESPN profile, Marcus discussed how Michael became involved with negative influences, including drugs and street gangs.
The article explained that Michael’s experiences served as a warning for Marcus, who recognised the importance of avoiding a similar path.
Despite those difficulties, Michael remained protective of his younger brother.
He encouraged Marcus to concentrate on basketball and avoid circumstances that could damage his future.
Following Todd’s death, Michael and Jeff reminded Marcus that he had an opportunity to achieve something positive for the family.
In a 2013 ESPN interview, Marcus recalled the importance of their encouragement while discussing his decision to remain at Oklahoma State University for another season.
Michael also expressed pride in his younger brother’s basketball achievements.
Although he has occasionally appeared in interviews about Marcus’s upbringing, his current personal and professional activities are not extensively publicised.
Why Did Marcus Smart Wear Number 36?
Marcus Smart’s jersey number 36 has a personal connection to his family and basketball journey.
According to his official NBA biography, Smart chose the number partly because his brothers had worn number 3 during their basketball careers.
The number 6 also represented his position in the 2014 NBA Draft, when the Boston Celtics selected him with the sixth overall pick.
Combining the two numbers allowed Smart to honour his brothers while recognising the opportunity that brought him to the NBA.
The number became strongly associated with his years in Boston and his reputation as one of the league’s most determined defensive players.
How Marcus Smart’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Marcus Smart’s journey to professional basketball was strongly influenced by his parents and brothers.
Growing up in Texas, he experienced financial difficulties and the emotional challenges associated with serious illness within his family.
His mother encouraged discipline and perseverance, while his brothers introduced him to basketball and helped him understand the importance of making responsible choices.
After Todd’s death, Smart became increasingly determined to pursue basketball seriously.
He attended Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, where he developed into one of the country’s leading basketball prospects.
During his high school career, he helped the team achieve a combined record of 115 victories and six defeats.
He also led the school to consecutive Texas Class 5A state championships.
His performances earned McDonald’s All-American recognition and the 2012 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year award.
Smart subsequently committed to Oklahoma State University.
During his freshman season in 2012–13, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
He received Big 12 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honours.
Although he was considered a potential NBA lottery pick after his freshman season, Smart decided to return to Oklahoma State for another year.
He explained that the decision would help him develop both personally and professionally.
Following his sophomore season, he entered the 2014 NBA Draft.
On June 26, 2014, the Boston Celtics selected him with the sixth overall pick.
The achievement represented an important milestone for a family that had experienced significant hardship.
Marcus Smart’s NBA Career and His Family’s Support
Marcus Smart began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics during the 2014–15 season.
He quickly became known for his defensive versatility, physical playing style, and ability to make important contributions without relying exclusively on scoring.
Over nine seasons with Boston, Smart developed into one of the team’s most recognisable leaders.
He earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honours in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
His most significant individual achievement came in 2022, when he received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
Smart became the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996.
He also helped Boston reach the 2022 NBA Finals.
In June 2023, Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a deal involving Kristaps Porziņģis.
The move was emotionally difficult because Smart had spent his entire professional career in Boston.
However, he continued his career in Memphis while beginning married life with Maisa Hallum.
In February 2025, Smart was traded to the Washington Wizards.
He subsequently joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025.
During the 2025–26 season, he appeared in 62 regular-season games for Los Angeles, averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
On July 10, 2026, the Houston Rockets officially announced that they had signed Smart to a two-year contract.
The agreement, reportedly worth approximately $13 million, reunited him with head coach Ime Udoka, under whom he had won Defensive Player of the Year in Boston.
Throughout these career transitions, Smart has emphasised the importance of his wife, son, and family relationships.
Marcus Smart’s Young Game Changer Foundation
Marcus Smart’s family experiences played an essential role in inspiring his charitable work.
After losing his eldest brother to cancer and watching his mother experience serious health difficulties, Smart developed a particular concern for children receiving medical treatment.
He subsequently established the Young Game Changer Foundation, also known as YounGameChanger.
The organisation focuses on supporting seriously and chronically ill children while encouraging young people to make positive decisions.
One of its best-known programmes involves providing portable entertainment systems and gaming stations to hospitals.
These resources help children undergoing treatment enjoy activities and remain connected with friends and family.
Smart has also visited hospitals personally, spending time with patients and their relatives.
In a 2016 ESPN feature republished by ABC News, Smart described his relationship with a teenage cancer patient named Damone.
The young patient had been struggling emotionally during treatment, but Smart’s visit helped improve his mood.
Because of his brother’s experience with cancer, Smart understood how important encouragement could be for seriously ill children.
His wife, Maisa Hallum, has also supported charitable activities associated with the foundation.
The organisation reflects Smart’s desire to honour his late brother and mother while creating positive experiences for young people facing difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marcus Smart’s Family
Who is Marcus Smart’s wife?
Marcus Smart’s wife is Maisa Hallum, an American entrepreneur and co-founder of the swimwear brand Sousa Swim. The couple married on September 16, 2023.
Is Marcus Smart married?
Yes. Marcus Smart married his longtime girlfriend, Maisa Hallum, at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California, in September 2023.
Does Marcus Smart have children?
Yes. Marcus Smart has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Zayn Smart, who was born in 2024.
Who is Marcus Smart’s son?
His son is Zayn Smart, whom he shares with his wife, Maisa Hallum. The couple announced the pregnancy in August 2024.
When was Marcus Smart’s son born?
Zayn Smart was born in the autumn of 2024. He was approximately two months old when Marcus brought him to a Boston Celtics game in December 2024.
Who is Marcus Smart’s father?
His father is Billy Frank Smart, who helped raise Marcus and his three older brothers alongside Camellia Smart in Texas.
Who is Marcus Smart’s mother?
His mother was Camellia Smart, who played a central role in his upbringing and basketball development. She died on September 16, 2018, following a battle with a serious bone marrow disorder.
How did Marcus Smart’s mother die?
Camellia Smart died from complications associated with myelodysplastic syndrome, a serious condition affecting blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
How many siblings does Marcus Smart have?
Marcus Smart has three older brothers: Todd Westbrook, Jeff Westbrook, and Michael Smart. Todd died from cancer in 2004.
Who was Marcus Smart’s brother Todd Westbrook?
Todd Westbrook was Marcus Smart’s eldest brother and a talented high school basketball player. He died in 2004 at the age of 33 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Does Marcus Smart have a sister?
No sister is identified in his official NBA and Oklahoma State University biographies. Those records list three older brothers.
What is Marcus Smart’s full name?
His full name is Marcus Osmond Smart.
Where was Marcus Smart born?
Marcus Smart was born on March 6, 1994, in Flower Mound, Texas, United States.
Who is Maisa Hallum?
Maisa Hallum is an American entrepreneur and fashion designer who co-founded Sousa Swim. She became Marcus Smart’s wife in September 2023.
How did Marcus Smart propose to his wife?
Smart proposed to Maisa Hallum on Christmas Day in December 2022, using a surprise video message from actor Will Smith to introduce the proposal.
Why did Marcus Smart wear number 36?
Smart chose number 36 partly to honour his brothers, who had worn number 3, and to recognise being selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Which NBA team does Marcus Smart play for?
Marcus Smart plays for the Houston Rockets, who signed him to a two-year contract on July 10, 2026.
Has Marcus Smart won NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Yes. Marcus Smart won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 while playing for the Boston Celtics.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
