Marcus Smart, who has an unbreakable bond with Celtics, will be returning to the city on Sunday.
Marcus Smart joined the Celtics during their early rebuilding phase, following the departures of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, but he nevertheless helped the team go from a 25-57 record to the postseason. They did so in each of his nine years in Boston.
During the former Oklahoma State Cowboy’s time there, the C’s never had a season with a negative net rating, meaning that when he was on the court, they outscored their opponent every year of his career.
In a wide-ranging interview with Inside The Celtics, Smart—the team’s heart and soul—also expressed great pride in having the longest active contract. “My teammates feed off my energy,” he said. As the longest-tenured Celtic, I feel like it’s my responsibility to continue to play ‘Celtics basketball.'”
But with Boston wanting to improve a crunch-time offense that’s plagued it in recent postseasons, see Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take even more ownership of the team and become more dynamic offensively, they parted with the Flower Mound, Texas native to acquire Kristaps Porzingis.
One of the seven-foot-three center’s many talents on both ends of the court is his ability to punish switches, which the Celtics did not have access to prior to his arrival.
Even though Smart claimed he was informed he was safe a week prior to the trade that sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies, he still says, “I love this team,” acknowledging that this is a business. I love this organization. I love the people, the fans, and everybody, the support I’ve always gotten here for my nine years. I’m definitely gonna miss it.”
Boston head coach Joe Mazulla on Marcus
A day before the 29-year-old returns to his adopted city and the place where he grew into adulthood, his former head coach, Joe Mazzulla, voiced, “Who he is will forever be etched into the city of Boston because of what he’s done in community service and what he’s done here, just helping represent (the organization).”
The Celtics’ bench boss continued, “I think he’s one of the guys that started our defensive foundation before I got here … So, just who he is off the court and then kind of what he brought from a mindset standpoint and a defensive intensity standpoint (was special). It’ll be good to see him tomorrow.”
The native of Rhode Island, Johnston who, like Smart, has his finger on the pulse of the fan base, knows that the TD Garden faithful have been waiting for the chance to give a player who will always hold a special place in their hearts the recognition he deserves for his tenacious play, winning ways, and community impact.
“I think there will be a little bit extra emotion, just because of how Smart’s been able to impact the community and impact the Garden so many times,” Mazzulla said before quipping, “So, hopefully, during a timeout, I don’t know if his hand still hurts, but maybe he can dive on the floor for a loose ball and roll one out.”
Payton Pritchard has something to say
Reminiscing on their time together, Payton Pritchard expressed, “We went to a championship with him and won a lot of games with him,” adding, “He meant a lot to the city of Boston. He did nine years here, so he had a lot of good years, and he was a leader and meant a lot to the organization.
“Marcus is just a good dude at heart. He wants to have a good time. He’s a competitor. But he looks out for his people, so I admire that about him.”
As Smart prepares to step foot in the building that captured many of his favorite basketball memories and his connection with Boston, he told Marc Spears of Andscape, “I can’t wait to get back there to see those guys (and) see those fans in the Garden.”
As someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve, he knows Sunday’s interaction with a fan base he has an unbreakable bond with will be an emotional affair.
Marcus Smart
“I’m sure I will,” stated Smart when asked how he anticipates handling the serenade and the video tribute in store for him. “I’m letting that be a surprise of its own. But those fans are phenomenal there. When they love you, they love you. And I think that comes with just the history that Boston has of winning, and they win, and they love hard, and they hate to lose. So, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the reaction from those fans.”