Celtics
Smart returned to Boston last season in street clothes, but took to the TD Garden parquet for the first time as a foe on Saturday.
Marcus Smart received a warm welcome back to the floor at TD Garden. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
When Marcus Smart made his emotional return to the TD Garden last season for the first time since being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, he was wearing street clothes.
Smart suffered an injury and was unable to play against Boston during that matchup, but still received a memorable tribute video ahead of the contest.
On Saturday night, Smart was able to check into the game and grace the TD Garden parquet for the first time as a member of another team. Celtics fans made sure to still give him the standing ovation he deserved as a fan favorite in Boston for years.
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Smart responded with an appreciative wave to the crowd while checking in.
Watch the TD Garden crowd erupt for Smart’s entrance four minutes into the game:
Smart played nine seasons for the Celtics and was integral in establishing the defensive identity of the team. Ahead of his return to the floor in Boston, Jayson Tatum called Smart “the ultimate Celtic.” The feisty guard played for an NBA championship with Boston against the Golden State Warriors in 2022, and also won a defensive player of the year award in the green and white.
Smart was traded last offseason as the key piece that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. Porzingis went on to anchor Boston on its championship run in 2023-24.
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Despite being on a different team for two seasons, there’s clearly still plenty of love for Smart in the air on Causeway Street.
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