Marcus Smart’s time with the Boston Celtics may be over, but he still loves the city and his fan base. Smart sent a touching farewell message to the Celtics on Friday, the day after he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Smart thanked the fans for their support and said Boston still “A very special place for meHe said that although the team did not win its 18th championship, he was very proud of what it had achieved over the past nine seasons.
Read SMART’s full message:
“Where do I even begin… As I start to think about the past nine years I have so many emotions running through me. I came to Boston as a naive kid from Dallas not really knowing what to expect. All I knew was the kind of work ethic my mother had instilled in me.” Myself and I was going to work my ass off and make sure I earn the respect of every single one of the fans in Boston. That’s why this was so cool. Boston, you’re such a special place to me. I grew up here and met some of my best friends here. I’ll never forget my time here. In the end, We didn’t get that 18th banner, but I’m so proud of the success we’ve had.I’m going to miss a lot of things about Boston but mainly the teammates, the fans, the kids, and the charity work at the hospital.
It’s been an amazing 9 years in Boston, thank you for all the love…but now is the time to look forward.
“I can’t wait to get to Memphis and get to work. We have something special brewing here! I’m lucky to be a part of Grizzly Nation. Let’s get to work.”
Smart was originally selected by the Celtics with the #6 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He immediately showed his worth, making the All-Rookie Team during his senior season. Smart excelled as a solid defensive leader in Boston, making the All-Defense Team three times and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors during the 2021-22 NBA season.
In nine seasons with the Celtics, Smart averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. The team has made the postseason in each of Smart’s nine seasons, making the NBA Finals during the 2021-22 season. Boston lost that series to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Marcus Smart is looking to prove himself in Memphis after the trade
After falling to the Miami Heat in the upset of the Eastern Conference Finals in June, Boston decided it was time to make changes to their core. The team traded Smart to the Grizzlies on Thursday as part of a three-way deal. The Celtics received Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in the deal. Porzingis would be tasked with getting Boston out on the playoff hump and finally winning another championship.
Smart will head to the Grizzlies with high expectations. With superstar Ja Morant out of the first 25 games next season, Smart will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself early on.
The Grizzlies finished runner-up in the Western Conference last season. If Morant can stay on the field and Smart shuts down the opposing scorers, Memphis can once again make noise in the packed West.
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