The six-year Boston Celtics veteran attributes his decision to sign with the Cs to Marcus Smart.

The big man, Marcus Smart, acknowledged that he was the reason Al Horford joined the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2016 during the team’s 131-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on February 4. This marked Smart’s first visit to the TD Garden since he was traded out of the team in June 2023. Additionally, Horford called out Isaiah Thomas by name.

Regarding Smart, Horford remarked, “It was good to see him” (h/t MassLive). It was nice to see him today. As I’ve mentioned previously, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart were a big part of the reason I first came here in ’16. Our experience with Marcus was quite meaningful during that time. Even as a very young player, I had a great deal of respect for Smart and his commitment to winning. It was good to see him tonight; he was a very special person and someone I truly loved when he was here with us throughout the years. It was good to meet him again and hear that he is doing well while attempting to heal from his wound. It was pleasant to meet him. Horford continued, saying Boston had “real love” for Smart.

Horford began, “It’s special,” and then continued, “It was special to be able to share those moments with him.” I anticipated that the audience would be incredibly pleased and thankful, and they were. They were excellent. They truly expressed how much they were appreciated. It was also pleasant to see Marcus’s wife and the other individuals who were with them. They were absorbing everything, experiencing the love, and savoring the moment. Boston truly loves Marcus, and even though he plays for a different team, it doesn’t alter our feelings for him or our teammates’ feelings for him. The fans also express their affection for him.

Marcus Smart must finish the story with Boston Celtics one day

Over the summer of 2022, the Grizzlies experienced a big cultural shock. One person connected to the club told me that one veteran was taken aback by the difference in play, especially from Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant. Without Brooks and, to a large extent, Morant in 2023–24, Memphis has fallen apart.

Over the length of his Grizzlies career, which might not last very long in the first place, Smart might not see stability. The Boston Celtics must, and probably will, position themselves to bring No. 36 home when the time comes.

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