Jayson Tatum recently shared a candid statement regarding Marcus Smart.

Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum expresses admiration and appreciation for his teammate Marcus Smart.

Following Sunday night’s victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared his thoughts on the warm reception Marcus Smart received from the Boston crowd during his on-court interview. Tatum expressed his appreciation, stating, “It was great. It was great to see the reception that he got. After being here for 10 years, he was the heart and soul of this organization. People showed their respect and love for him today; he deserved it. He deserved it all. It was just good to see him. Obviously, I miss him. It was just really good to see him.”

“It’s only right,” Tatum said of Smart’s reception. “He gave his blood, sweat, and tears every single night. He left it all on the floor. He was part of the success that we had for so many years. I say all the time that, for the longest time, he was for sure the favorite Celtic on our team, and rightfully so. So it was good to see him get the love that he deserved.”

While Smart was out with an injury, this was his first time back in Boston since being traded to the Grizzlies over the summer. Getting a very warm welcome from his former home crowd, Smart was given the love that Tatum says he deserves.

One of the most beloved Celtics players in recent history, Smart got a great reception from Boston’s home crowd.