Marcus Smart, a prominent figure in Boston Celtics history, recently made headlines during his return to TD Garden as a member of the Washington Wizards. The Celtics signed Smart in 2014 under different circumstances. He spent his first nine years of his career with the franchise before being traded to Memphis this summer of 2023. This trade cleared space for Kristaps Porzingis to arrive in Boston, as the team has undergone a major roster overhaul.
On December 10, 2023, Smart met his old team for the first time. With the Celtics as their first opponent, he suited up in a throwback Grizzlies jersey. That game, it was evident how much the fans loved Smart, as “We want Marcus! Going In — The Wizards were playing the Boston Celtics in one of their most compelling matchups of the season, and the energy was palpable. Smart was out of the game due to previous commitments.
The Wizards are very much in a post-trade deadline, play-the-kids-and-hope-for-luck-in-the-draft-lottery mode. Despite this, many in the city have embraced Smart. Coach Brian Keefe has liked his leadership qualities, particularly in the young locker room. In a recent conference call with reporters, Keefe called Smart “terrific,” noting his impact on the team’s chemistry and camaraderie.
As promising as the game was, it became incredibly controversial. When a fan heckled the Wizards’ bench, Smart was quick to jump to their defense. It was a heckler who crossed the line. Months later, he would go on to discuss that day.
“He just crossed the line. We all know, I don’t do line crossing.” – Marcus Smart
He felt like he had to do something to intervene and stop the situation from becoming even worse.
“Just trying to get him out before it escalated more than what it was.” – Marcus Smart
Even with that tension, Smart fondly remembered his time spent in Boston, reiterating his love for the city and its fans.
“The love is always there. From both sides — myself and the fans, the city. It’s definitely emotional coming back and you try to hold it back. But I love it. I love every last bit of it. I’m a part of the city — nine years. A kid to a young man.” – Marcus Smart
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