The Celtics signed Marcus Smart after his “special” return to Boston.
“Boston loves Marcus.” BOSTON — Former Celtics guard Marcus Smart returned to TD Garden on Sunday night for the first time since being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies last season, and the reception was as expected.Boston honored Smart with a video tribute in the first quarter, capping the 29-year-old’s nine-year association with the organization with more moments and memories.
This caused an uproar among Celtics fans, who chanted “We want Marcus” from the court to the balcony. Smart greeted the crowd of thousands and thanked a homegrown product who was selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Smart was sidelined with a finger injury, but the fan favorite’s love for the team never waned.”It was special to share that moment with him,” Horford said after Boston’s 131-91 win over Memphis.
“We knew the audience would be very happy and appreciative, and they were. They were great. They expressed their sincere gratitude. … Boston loves Marcus.Horford, who originally joined the Celtics as a free agent in 2016, saw Smart as a key part of his deal with Boston. “How hard he played, how tough he was, and (he) really tried to put his body into the game day and night,” Horford added. “It’s about respecting them as opponents and appreciating them as teammates.”The chants returned after Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla removed all of his Boston players during a 105-81 rout of Memphis.
Fans chanted “Thank you Marcus” throughout the fourth quarter and even stood for a few minutes before Smart walked off the court with the Grizzlies.For nearly a decade, Smart was Boston’s brand of choice. Fans have noticed that no matter where the Celtics are, whether it’s the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference ahead of his 2014-2015 rookie season or the 2022 NBA Finals, Smart’s pride and dedication is always consistent. He handled every loose ball like a marble and turned a nine-year tenure into 20 seasons.
While that made it difficult for fans to accept Smart’s departure this offseason, the price will still remain in place from the first quarter until Sunday’s final bell.”Marcus Smart was a fan favorite.” Celtics star Jayson Tatum said. “Everyone knew how he wore his heart on his sleeve and played as hard as he could every night. We have very smart fans who see it and appreciate it. It was very nice to see. She was surprised she wasn’t crying and glad for that. “It was special.”Tatum: “I spent six years at Smart. “That person is like a brother to me.”With the season over in Memphis, Smart will have to wait until (at least) next season before officially returning to Boston.
