3 Grizzlies who directly helped Celtics win 2024 NBA Championship

Marcus Smart

For nine seasons, Marcus Smart served as the heart and soul of Boston Celtics basketball, leading the charge at point guard, on the defensive end, and in the hustle and passion department.

Last summer, however, he was dealt to the Grizzlies in a blockbuster three-team deal with the Washington Wizards that, ultimately, shipped former All-Star big Kristaps Porzingis to Beantown.

The move not only provided the shamrocks with another star-caliber talent to have run alongside the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but it also opened up a need for them to pursue another starting point guard, which, in the end, led them to pull the trigger on a preseason deal that brought already established champion and two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday in to fill their backcourt void.

Soon after the Celtics won the NBA Finals, fans flooded social media to shout out Smart and thank him for his dedication while with the franchise and for his usage as a trade chip in last summer's transaction to land Porzingis. Some have gone as far as to say that he deserves an honorary ring for his role in developing this year's team.

Without his leadership throughout the years and ultimate sacrifice, Boston wouldn't have been able to build the squad that just led them to their 18 championship in franchise history.

It's as simple as that and, hopefully, he can one day prove to have the same effect on this Grizzlies team.