Marcus Smart has honest take on Celtics winning title without him

Jan 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrates after he makes a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Any bad blood between Marcus Smart and the Boston Celtics seems to have dissipated.

Smart and the Celtics didn’t exactly part ways on good terms. The defending champs traded the 30-year-old to the Memphis Grizzlies last year in the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. Not long after the trade, Smart opened up about how he felt the Celtics did him dirty.

On Monday, Smart was asked about the Celtics during the team’s media day at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn. The 10-year veteran admitted that he wishes he could have been a part of the title run but was happy for Boston nonetheless.

“I was probably the most excited person for those guys,” said Smart. “Because I understood what those guys was (sic) working for. I was in the trenches with them for a long time, nine years working with them trying to accomplish that.

“We went through a lot of battles. Blood, sweat, and tears. I was happy for those guys. Obviously, I wish I would have been a part of it because I worked so hard. But at the end of the day, those guys, they deserved it.”

The Celtics drafted Marcus Smart 6th overall in 2014. The Oklahoma State alum spent his first nine seasons in Boston and quickly became a fan favorite for his hard-nosed style of play.

Boston made sure to show Smart a ton of love when he returned to Boston as an opponent back in February.

Smart averaged 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 581 games as a Celtic.