The Marcus Smart trade a few weeks back hit a lot of Celtic fans hard, but I found myself surprisingly optimistic. Dude was the most tenured Celtic with 9 seasons under his belt, and led a rebuild effort that included 5 ECF appearances in 7 seasons and 1 Finals appearance. Would have loved to see him win a title, but it wasn't meant to be and I think both teams in the Celtics-Memphis deal made out well - hopefully Washington too, the king of the draft picks for the next decade.
Smart spoke highly of his time in Boston, reflecting on how much he grew up there during his tenure a a kid from Texas after his time at OK State. I do not believe all of this talk of him being in the upper echelons of Celtics in the history of the franchise, but he is an important piece in the modern team's story. I'd put him somewhere in the 4th or 5th level of greats. Something like this:
Tier 1: Russell - Havlicek - Bird - Pierce
Tier 2: Cousy - Cowens - McHale - Jones (Sam, not KC)
Tier 3: Dennis Johnson - Parish - Garnett - Tatum
Tier 4: Rondo - Ray Allen - Reggie Lewis (RIP) - Danny Ainge
Tier 5: Marcus Smart - Cedric Maxwell - Antoine Walker - Jiri Welch
Alright find, Jiri Welch was a joke, but I think the rest is about right. Put Jaylen Brown in there for Jiri and we're in business. Credit to me for doing all of that off the top of my head... apologies to the simple people of the world like my friend Tavis who does not have franchises with as rich of a history.
The Grizzlies got an excellent leader, defender, and absolute dog in Marcus Smart, and I think that's exactly what that franchise is in need of at this time. I could see Marcus filling that similar role to Tony Allen after his Celtics tenure ended in the early 2010s if memory serves me correctly... they got rid of the charlatan playing that role with Dillon Brooks at the end of last season, so I'd say the Grizzlies are in good hands headed into '23-24. Smart will be a strong influence on Temetrius as well, who could use an older veteran leader to bring him down to earth when he inevitably gets that urge midseason to bring a gun to a strip club or go live on instagram with said weapon. Don't want Adam Silver losing anymore of the hair he doesn't have...
So congrats to you, Marcus! I'm excited and happy for you on this next chapter of your career in Memphis, I believe it will be fruitful for both parties. And I'm looking forward to the tribute the Celtics put together for you upon your return to the TD Garden (salute emoji).
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