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Marcus Smart gives Celtics fans another reason to smile.

Many Boston Celtics supporters were disappointed when they learned that the organization had moved senior guard Marcus Smart in the offseason. Smart was part of a three-team deal that resulted in the return of center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been instrumental to Boston’s success this season.

On Tuesday, January 9, Smart damaged his right ring finger during a victory over the Dallas Mavericks, causing another setback for Celtics supporters. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Smart will be out for six weeks, which means he will be unable to play when his Memphis Grizzlies visit Boston for the lone time this season on February 4. Although he will not be participating, Smart told a Boston reporter that he will be in town for the game, allowing Celtics supporters to commemorate Smart’s time in Boston.

Gary Washburn says Marcus Smart will make the trip to Boston.

When the NBA schedule was released in August, many Celtics supporters purchased tickets for the game against the Grizzlies to watch Smart face his former team for the first time at TD Garden. Those aspirations appeared dashed when Charania took to X with his injury post on Smart on January 11, 2024.

“Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Charania wrote in a tweet. “Another difficult injury blow in season for the Grizzlies.”

Smart has been the Celtics’ heart and soul since they selected him sixth overall in the 2014 NBA draft. Smart, who was always diving for loose balls and taking charges, quickly became a fan favorite. Celtics supporters were disappointed to see him leave, but thrilled to see him return.

According to Boston Globe reporter Gary Washburn, Smart will be in the building but not on the floor when the Memphis Grizzlies visit Boston.

“Though he’s still recovering from a right ring finger injury and will not play, Marcus Smart tells me he’ll be in Boston for the #Grizzlies game at TD Garden on Feb. 4,” Washburn wrote on X on Wednesday, January 24.

Celtics fans are eager to see Smart back in Boston.

Washburn’s post made many Celtics supporters delighted. Although he was never an All-Star, Smart spent nine seasons in Boston and was the embodiment of a team captain. Nobody played harder than Oklahoma State’s 6-foot-3 point guard. He added perseverance and toughness to the Celtics, which endeared him to local fans.

Many of those admirers responded to Washburn’s message.