Marcus Smart spent the first nine years of his professional career suiting up for the Boston Celtics before making his way over to the Memphis Grizzlies via blockbuster trade just last offseason.
From enduring re-tooling seasons to deep playoff runs, the veteran guard saw just about everything one could during his tenure out in Beantown. That is, all outside of winning an NBA Championship.
Though the C’s got close to glory with Smart in tow, seeing five Conference Finals runs and, in 2022, an NBA Finals berth, during his first season with the Grizzlies and, in turn, off of their roster Boston was finally able to snap their 16-year title drought and claim the franchise’s record-breaking 18 championship.
While he may not have had any impact on the hardwood this year that aided in the club’s ultimate glory, to many, it was his sacrifice last summer that paved the way for this magical ending for the storied franchise.
For that, it appears fans are extremely grateful, as they’ve flooded social media to thank their former guard for his services in the rotation and while serving as a trade chip.
Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart praised by Celtics fans after NBA Finals
One fan of the franchise thanked Smart, along with several other players who suited up for the green and white over the years, for helping mold the Celtics into what they’ve become which, ultimately, is a championship team.
Another encouraged the Celtics to consider the idea of giving Smart a ring himself, despite not being on the team this past season.
Even non-fans and, instead, media outlets sang the veteran’s praise after Boston’s NBA Finals win Monday night.
From an individual and team standpoint, Smart accomplished a great deal during his time with the Celtics. The 30-year-old established himself as a primary leader in the locker room and proven to be a reliable member of Boston’s rotation with three NBA All-Defensive First-Team choices and a 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Even though he is no longer physically present on the squad, C’s supporters and staff have never forgotten him and his influence on the development of the team into what it is today.
He should eventually be able to affect this title-hungry Grizzlies club in a similar way.
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