Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Tatum Shares What Went Through His Mind Seeing Celtics Fans Celebrate Marcus Smart
When Marcus Smart joined the Boston Celtics, they were coming off a 25-57 campaign and in the early stages of a rebuild after the end of their modern Big Three era, with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen helping the franchise raise Banner 17 to the TD Garden rafters.
But in the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft's nine years in Boston, the Celtics never missed the playoffs. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times in his tenure, including a run to the NBA Finals in 2022, coming within two wins of capturing Banner 18.
As if that's not impressive enough, the C's never had a season with a negative net rating in the former Oklahoma State Cowboy's time there, meaning every year of his career, they outscored their opponent with him on the court.
Before Boston cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies, 131-91, Smart discussed with Inside The Celtics how the city he's formed an unbreakable bond with has shaped him and his message to Celtics fans.
"Thank you guys," stated the Flower Mound, Texas native. "I love you guys forever. You guys will always be in my heart. Boston will always be in here. So, never forgotten. And thank you."
Then, it was the Celtics' fans' turn to celebrate him.
"It was an incredible moment," voiced Jayson Tatum after generating a game-high 34 points in Sunday's win. "What he meant to the team (and) what he meant to the organization. What he meant to the city; he was loved. He was obviously a fan favorite. So, for him to come back and get the kind of reception and love that he did, it was cool to see. I was happy for him. He had his wife and some of his friends and family here to see that. It was much deserved. That was a cool moment -- to see him get his flowers and things like that."
The three-time All-NBA selection, who will one day have a video tribute of his own at TD Garden, said of the trade sending Smart to Memphis, "It's not just losing a teammate. It's losing a friend, a brother."
But on the day of a return that was emotional for the players and the fan base, Tatum appreciates the love Boston shows players even after they depart.
"Marcus Smart, he was the fan-favorite," he expressed. "Everybody knew that. The way he played -- he wore his heart on his sleeve, and every night, he gave it his all. We have some very smart fans, and they saw that. They appreciated that. So, it was just really cool to see. (I'm) happy for him. I'm surprised he didn't cry because that was special."
As the former Duke Blue Devil continued discussing what went through his mind as TD Garden celebrated Smart and the reception players get when returning to Boston, he stated, "It just goes to show that when you put this jersey on, you respect the game, respect the organization. Respect the people that came before you by, essentially, giving it your all every single night.
"(Paul) Pierce, KG (Kevin Garnett), and Smart all came back for different reasons. The reception and the love that they got, when you do all those things, the fans, they appreciate it and they know how to show their appreciation."
Al Horford, who conveyed that his former floor general was one of the primary influences on his decision to sign with the Celtics in the summer of 2016, was also touched by the ovations and showering of love from the TD Garden faithful towards an individual who's carved out a place in the hearts of Celtics fans.
"Yeah, it's special," voiced the 16-year veteran. "It was special to be able to share those moments with him. I know that the crowd was going to be very grateful and appreciative, and they were. They were great. They really showed their appreciation. And it was nice to see not only Marcus but also his wife and the people that were along with them. They were kind of taking everything in, appreciating the moment, and feeling the love. Boston has real love for Marcus, and even though he's on another team, it doesn't change how we feel about him, our guys. And also the fans showed how they feel about him as well."
Further Reading
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
