(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
After losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics decided to shake up their roster.
The Celtics sent out Marcus Smart in a three-team deal that brought back Kristaps Porzingis, a signal that the team was shifting its philosophy to a more offense-oriented one.
The gamble paid off as Boston is No. 1 in the Eastern Conference and one of the favorites to win the 2024 NBA Finals.
Losing a player like Smart was difficult for the fans and organization because of what he meant on and off the floor.
A gritty and tough player with quality leadership skills, Smart often kept Boston in games because of his effort and attitude.
With the Memphis Grizzlies set to play in Boston on Sunday, the Celtics will honor Smart for his contributions to the community, via Jay King of The Athletic.
“The Celtics will honor Marcus Smart as tonight’s Hero Among Us for all of his work in the community over the years. His impact in Boston went far beyond basketball,” King reported.
Very cool: The Celtics will honor Marcus Smart as tonight’s Hero Among Us for all of his work in the community over the years. His impact in Boston went far beyond basketball.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 4, 2024
It’s quite a gesture for the organization to make and a sign of how much they loved and appreciated his time there.
Although Boston never won a championship with Smart, they were always in the conversation and he made sure he gave it his all each and every night.
Smart has been a welcomed addition to the Grizzlies, especially wth Ja Morant out for the remainder of the season.
It’ll be an emotional night for the guard and the fans, but it’s a well-deserved one.
The post Celtics Plan To Honor Longtime Veteran appeared first on The Cold Wire.