Marcus Smart returned to TD Garden as a Grizzlies player for the first time since the trade in the summer. Although he was unable to play on Sunday due to a hand ιnjury, the guard was able to visit his old home and reconnect with his former teammates.

A memorial video for the guard, who played with the Celtics for the first nine years of his career, was duly made by the team. It aired in the first quarter while Smart sat on the court and watched. Even though Smart and the Celtics never quite got it done while he was in Boston, they did get very close, making it to the Finals five times and even making it to the NBA Finals in 2022.

View Smart’s tribute video here. Not long after the video went live, the Garden audience began chanting “We Love Marcus” as well.

Positively, the Garden celebrations included more than simply the Smart tribute film. As part of the team’s “Heroes Among Us” on-court recognition program, Smart will also be recognized throughout the game for his community service.

In 2014, Smart began making frequent one-on-one visits to children with pediatric cаncer. Over the years, he maintained this pattern. As part of his off-court endeavors, Smart engaged substantially in the Boston community through his YounGameChanger organization while he was a Celtic.

“Being here in the city of Boston has really opened that field for me to really show who I am as a person,” Smart added, emphasizing his satisfaction in being more than simply a basketball player. “I believe my off-court activities demonstrate that, and it would be a tremendous honor to receive an award of this caliber here. I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity.”