In 2014, the Boston Celtics selected Marcus Smart with the sixth pick in the draft. Smart quickly became a Celtics fan favorite due to his defense and hustle. Additionally, he finished fifth in MVP voting for the 2014-15 season. With Boston, he developed into an important part of the franchise. This culminated in a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. With this honor, Smart became the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996. Furthermore, Smart played an essential role in Boston’s NBA Finals appearance in 2022, their first in 12 years. Smart became well-loved in Boston and showed his commitment to the team every chance he could.
Last offseason, however, the Celtics traded Smart after nine seasons. As part of a three-team trade that landed them Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics traded Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. In their first season without Smart on the roster in a decade, the Celtics won the championship for the first time since 2008.
Despite not being on the roster, many fans pointed to Smart as a player who helped set the foundation for Boston’s championship. In a recent interview with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, Smart spoke about this notion, calling it a “bittersweet” feeling.
“It feels good. But at the end of the day, when I’m all done playing, that recognition isn’t going to mean [expletive]. Unfortunately, that’s another bittersweet thing. It’s cool to say you built the foundation. But at the end of the day, they’re only going to remember who was raising that trophy,” Smart said.
“It is what it is. It’s part of it. That’s how life goes. One door shuts, and another door opens. I thank God for the opportunity to still be here. At the end of the day, I’m still able to do what I love to do. I still have an opportunity to have a chance. That’s all you can ask for, so I thank God every day.”
Marcus Smart Reveals ‘Bittersweet’ Feeling About Celtics’ Title
Marcus Smart Is ‘Proud’ of His Former Boston Celtics Teammates
Just days after the Celtics won the championship, Smart made an appearance on Run Your Race (YouTube link). During the interview, the Oklahoma State alum spoke about being proud of the Celtics and his former teammates, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
“Shoutout to Jaylen (Brown), Jayson (Tatum), and the Boston Celtics,” stated Smart in a conversation with five-year NBA veteran Theo Pinson on Tidal League’s Run Your Race. “Congratulations on the championship. They built that. They went through the mud. They didn’t skip any steps. I was there with them for nine years of my career, and I seen it. It’s no coincidence that they reached their goal. I’m just so proud of them.
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Now in his second season in Memphis, Smart is adjusting to a new role. In 17 games played, Smart has only started six of them. Additionally, he is averaging just 21.9 minutes per game, the lowest of his career. Regardless, Smart is making his presence felt as a veteran leader for players like Ja Morant.
Nearly two months into the season, the Grizzlies are 18-9 and are a top-10 team on both sides of the ball. Additionally, they own the No. 2 seed in the West. The Grizzlies are reminding everybody how big of a threat they are when healthy. Whether their success can culminate in a deep playoff run remains to be seen.
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