Marcus Smart Says Goodbye: 'Boston, You Are a Very Special Place to Me'

The Celtics believe in the gamble they're making. And they hope Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will take even more ownership of this team, stepping into the leadership void created by Marcus Smart's departure.

They've also made an upgrade in talent by adding Kristaps Porzingis, a former All-Star who's seven-foot-three, highly skilled offensively, and disruptive defensively.

Still, that doesn't change how hard it is to lose the heart and soul of the team and a franchise culture setter.

Thank you, @smart_MS3 ☘️ pic.twitter.com/JhZ4IyHSks
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 23, 2023

While discussing the decision on the heels of the draft, a choked-up Brad Stevens stated, "I told him, when he got here, we were 25 and 57 the year before. And the greatest legacy that you can leave is to be someplace, and it's better off because you were there."

In Smart's nine years in Boston, the Celtics never missed the playoffs. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times and came within two wins of a championship.

The franchise's now former floor general took tremendous pride in being the longest-tenured player on the team. While discussing his approach to the game in a wide-ranging interview with Inside The Celtics last week, Smart conveyed the following.

"I've always played the game of basketball the same way, leaving it all out on the court each and every time I play because you never know when it's your last time playing. My mom instilled that in me at a young age. It has gotten me this far, so I won't be changing that now. My teammates feed off my energy. As the longest-tenured Celtic, I feel like it's my responsibility to continue to play "Celtics basketball." Continue to get my rehab each and every day, eat healthily and strive for greatness."

Now, he's off to Memphis to help shape the culture there, mentor Ja Morant, and see how far he can help take a talented team that finished second in the West last season.

But first, he said goodbye to Boston.