Marcus Smart on His Legacy in Boston 'I Embodied Being a Celtic'

The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Friday that Marcus Smart's left ankle injury will have him sidelined for three to five weeks.

Prior to the 3-9 Grizzlies hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, Smart sat and talked with NBC Sports Boston's Abby Chin. The long-loved Celtic talked about what he wants to be remembered for in regard to the legacy he's left in Boston after spending the first nine years of his career there.

He took a second, still showing some shock, initially responding, "oh wow," before answering the question.

"(I) guess for me, just the player that I was," said Smart. "The player, you know, the whole life I embodied of being a Celtic in the franchise and organization. You know, everybody that came before me. Laying it out on the line day in and day out like every game was my last. Just being part of that upper echelon of guys who wore that uniform and left it all out there and gave everything to it."

"Laid it out on the line like every day was my last."

Marcus Smart talks about the legacy he wants to leave in Boston with @tvabby 💚 pic.twitter.com/05xLvU9ICH
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 20, 2023

The C's former floor general also discussed the strength of the relationship between him and the Celtics' fan base.

"I'm very thankful for my time," stated Smart. "It's all love; it's still love, and I grew up there, so. Like I said, it's still love, and it's always gonna be a place in my heart for Boston."

Smart's injury is expected to have him absent, likely at least through December. That means his last chance to face his former team this season will be his return to Boston on Feb. 4, when the Grizzlies face the Celtics at TD Garden.

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis Explains Why Celtics Have NBA's Best Clutch Record

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Survive vs. Shorthanded Grizzlies

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Weather the Storm to Prevail vs. Raptors

Jaylen Brown Blasts In-Season Tournament Court After Injury in Celtics’ Win vs. Raptors

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Keys to Celtics Second-Half Turnaround in Win Over 76ers

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Beat 76ers in Their Best Win of Young Season

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present