Sad News : Boston Celtics key man not to play again…

Sad News : Boston Celtics key man not to play again…

Sad News : Boston Celtics key man not to play again…

The Celtics are taking a three-pronged gamble by dealing Marcus Smart in a three-team trade, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, and sending the previous Defensive Player of the Year to Memphis.

One component of its gamble is the organization’s internal hope and belief that once Smart, the team’s heart and soul, joins forces with Ja Morant on the Grizzlies, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will take even more ownership and step into the leadership hole his departure leaves.

Perhaps Boston’s wager pays off, and Banner 18 is raised to the rafters high above the TD Garden floor. However, when Smart joined, the team was in the midst of a rebuild following the success of its modern big three, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.

The Celtics went 25-57 the year before bringing in the former Oklahoma State Cowboy. However, during his nine years in Boston, the team never failed to make the playoffs.

According to The Ringer’s Michael Pina, Smart has never had a season with a negative net rating, which means in every year of his career, the team outscored their opponent when he was on the floor.

“The greatest legacy that you can leave is to be somewhere, and it’s better off because you were there,” Brad Stevens told Smart the day after the former traded him.

When asked about his selection shortly after the draft, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations became emotional, saying, “Everybody loved the way that he plays, and how hard he plays, but also his work in the community.” We’re all thankful to have had Marcus in our lives for as long as we have.”

Smart, who spent the first nine years of his career in Boston, took great pride in being the team’s longest-tenured player, telling Inside The Celtics during a wide-ranging interview soon before being transferred.