The six-year Boston Celtics veteran attributes his decision to sign with the Cs to Marcus Smart.
On February 4, following the Boston Celtics’ 131-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Marcus Smart—who made his first trip back to the TD Garden since being traded out of the team in June 2023—was credited by the big man for being the reason Al Horford signed with the team during the summer of 2016. Additionally, Horford called out Isaiah Thomas by name.
Regarding Smart, Horford remarked, “It was good to see him” (h/t MassLive). It was nice to see him today. As I’ve mentioned previously, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart were a big part of the reason I first came here in ’16. Our experience with Marcus was quite meaningful during that time. Even as a very young player, I had a great deal of respect for Smart and his commitment to winning. It was good to see him tonight; he was a very special person and someone I truly loved when he was here with us throughout the years. It was good to meet him again and hear that he is doing well while attempting to heal from his wound. It was pleasant to meet him.
Horford continued, saying Boston had “real love” for Smart.
Horford began, “It’s special,” and then continued, “It was special to be able to share those moments with him.” I anticipated that the audience would be incredibly pleased and thankful, and they were. They were excellent. They truly expressed how much they were appreciated. It was also pleasant to see Marcus’s wife and the other individuals who were with them. They were absorbing everything, experiencing the love, and savoring the moment. Boston truly loves Marcus, and even though he plays for a different team, it doesn’t alter our feelings for him or our teammates’ feelings for him. The fans also express their affection for him.
One day, Marcus Smart needs to wrap up the tale with the Boston Celtics.
Over the summer of 2022, the Grizzlies experienced a big cultural shock. One person connected to the club told me that one veteran was taken aback by the difference in play, especially from Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant. Without Brooks and, to a large extent, Morant in 2023–24, Memphis has fallen apart.
Over the length of his Grizzlies career, which might not last very long in the first place, Smart might not see stability. The Boston Celtics must, and probably will, position themselves to bring No. 36 home when the time comes.
Marcus Smart discusses the origin of the pain following the Boston Celtics trade.
Marcus Smart discusses the origin of the pain following the Boston Celtics trade.
Marcus Smart suffered damage as a result of the Boston Celtics trade. similar to everyone else. Well, most likely outside the fan bases of the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies.
After making his first trip back to the TD Garden since leaving the team in June of last year, Smart discussed the source of his pain following a 131-91 rout of the Grizzlies that might as well have ended in the first half and didn’t include No. 36 on either side due to recent finger surgery.
Smart stated, “I tell people to this day that if it were me, I would make the same business decision as well. I understand business and I understand this business” (h/t Boston.com). “All I asked for was a heads-up or a straightforward “Hey, after nine years here, we simply want to let you know this is what’s going on.” Perfect. In the end, I also work as a businessman. That’s where the actual source of the hurt was.
Marcus Smart has no animosity for the Boston Celtics franchise.
Although Smart is injured, he has no ill will toward the Celtics franchise. During the Celtics vs. Grizzlies postgame news conference, Smart stated he had no animosity toward the people who moved him without telling him, and he’s even supporting his previous team.
“I managed to divert my thoughts from it,” stated Smart. “I have no animosity toward the team, the coaching staff, or the organization.” Everyone is loved by me. And I’m appreciative that I got to play with those guys.
“I mean, you have to leave this when you get that close. Everyone in this situation would undoubtedly find it difficult to comprehend. Ultimately, though, as I have stated, it doesn’t change my feelings for nice guys. Furthermore, they deserve it just as much as I believe I do. They work just as hard and deserve it just as much as I do, which is why I say I am thrilled for those guys.
Fortunately, nobody in Boston harbors resentment either. Anyhow, nobody who has a good point regardless.
