FORMER BOSTON CELTICS FAN FAVORITE MARCUS SMART ANNOUNCES SHOCK RETURN TO THE GARDEN
FORMER BOSTON CELTICS FAN FAVORITE MARCUS SMART ANNOUNCES SHOCK RETURN TO THE GARDEN
In a stunning and emotional twist that has rocked the NBA world, Marcus Smart — the former Boston Celtics defensive anchor and undisputed fan favorite — has officially announced his return to the Celtics after nearly two seasons away. The news broke early Thursday morning in a joint announcement by Smart and Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens.
Smart, who played for the Celtics from 2014 to 2023, had been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Kristaps Porziņģis deal and later spent a brief stint with the Washington Wizards. But now, the heart and soul of Boston basketball is coming home.
> “This city is my second home,” Smart said during his press conference at TD Garden. “I left a piece of my heart here when I was traded. Now, I’m bringing it back.”
A HEARTFELT HOMECOMING
The Celtics have signed Smart to a 2-year, $38 million deal with a player option in the second year. The reunion is seen not only as a strategic move to bolster the Celtics’ defensive identity, but as a symbolic gesture that reaffirms the franchise’s connection to its gritty, loyal fanbase.
During his nine seasons with Boston, Smart became known for his hustle, leadership, and clutch defensive plays. He won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 — the first guard to do so since Gary Payton in 1996 — and was often the emotional leader of the Celtics’ locker room.
Fans never quite moved on from his departure. Banners, jerseys, and chants of “We miss Smart!” were still a regular sight at the Garden, even after Jrue Holiday admirably filled his shoes.
CELTICS FANS REACT WITH JOY
As soon as the news hit, Celtics fans lit up social media with euphoric messages. “Christmas came early,” one fan tweeted. Another posted a video of themselves running down Causeway Street wearing a Smart jersey, captioned, “The King has returned!”
TD Garden is already preparing for a “Welcome Back Smart” night scheduled for the Celtics’ home opener in October. Merchandise featuring Smart’s number 36 has reportedly surged in sales since the announcement.
TEAMMATES THRILLED BY RETURN
Star forward Jayson Tatum, who spent much of his early career alongside Smart, was thrilled by the news.
> “Marcus is more than a teammate — he’s family,” Tatum said. “We built something together here, and getting another shot at that means everything.”
Jaylen Brown echoed similar sentiments, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Let’s run it back, 36.”
WHY NOW?
League insiders suggest that Smart’s return was made possible by Boston offloading veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and opening up cap space. With questions surrounding backcourt depth and an increasing need for vocal leadership, the Celtics front office saw an opportunity to reunite with a player who already understood the system, culture, and expectations.
Brad Stevens, who coached Smart before taking on his executive role, said the move was personal.
> “Marcus embodies everything it means to be a Celtic,” Stevens said. “We’ve always said our doors are open to players who give their all for this franchise. Marcus did that for nearly a decade.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Smart’s role is expected to be dynamic — a sixth man, defensive specialist, and mentor to the Celtics’ young guards. But beyond stats and rotations, his value lies in his leadership, passion, and unrelenting energy — qualities that have become synonymous with Boston basketball.
For Marcus Smart, the message was simple: “I never stopped being a Celtic. I just had to take a detour.”
And now, the captain has returned.
