If Boston Celtics fans can describe this offseason in one word, it would be ‘depressing’. In just a matter of a few weeks, the Celtics’ championship core was broken up.
Both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were sent packing, Luke Kornet left and received a pay raise with the San Antonio Spurs, and Al Horford is presumed to be leaving and signing with the Golden State Warriors.
To see all these beloved Celtics in different uniforms next season will be rough, especially Horford in a Warriors jersey. However, none will be worse than seeing this beloved former Celtic in these rival colors.
Marcus Smart Is Wrong to Think That He Will Go from Fan Favorite to Enemy
Even after all the moves that the Celtics made this offseason, none hurt more than seeing Marcus Smart sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this past weekend. It’s been two years since the Celtics traded Smart to acquire Porzingis, and while it worked out for the Celtics, it came at the price of losing the fan favorite.
Since being dealt, Smart played a season and a half for the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Washington Wizards at last year’s trade deadline. Smart has played a combined 54 games the last two years, averaging 11 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds.
In his introductory press conference with the Lakers yesterday, Smart said he anticipates a lot of boos when he returns to Boston; however, he couldn’t be more wrong.
“I’m expecting a lot of boos, I'm expecting a lot of hate, and it's okay I understand it”
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) July 23, 2025
— Marcus Smart 💔
H/T @ohnohedidnt24
pic.twitter.com/kO3ScKuM5V
Smart played nine seasons for the Celtics, appearing in 581 games for the franchise, averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. During his tenure with the Celtics, Smart was a three-time First-Team All-Defensive player and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2022.
He joined the team after they departed from the ‘Big Three’ and instantly became a fan favorite because of his intensity, hustle plays, and leaving his all on the court. He played a crucial role in transforming the team from a rebuilding team to a championship contender, as the Celtics made the playoffs every year Smart was a part of.
In those nine years, he proudly wore green and white, giving his heart and soul to the Celtics and the city of Boston. When a Celtics player proudly wears green and gives back to the community, the fans don’t forget.
No matter what team he’s on when he comes to Boston, Smart will be celebrated and honored by Celtics fans as he rightfully should be. Smart never wanted to leave; it was the Celtics who moved on from him.
Whenever the Lakers do come into town, Smart will be shocked when fans give him a round of applause, even though he’s wearing the hated purple and gold.