Marcus Smart’s Heartbreaking Celtics Admission
Marcus Smart has never been one to hold back his feelings. But his latest admission may be the most gut-wrenching for Celtics fans yet. Speaking candidly about life after Boston, Smart revealed that the intangible “Celtics spirit” — that unbreakable bond built over years in green — is something he knows he will never experience again.
From the moment he joined his new squad, the difference was impossible to ignore. Instead of the tight-knit camaraderie and unshakable trust he’d grown accustomed to in Boston, he walked into a locker room where teammates were visibly divided, whispers replaced encouragement, and individual agendas took priority over team goals.“In Boston, it wasn’t just about basketball,” Smart reflected. “We fought for each other, we trusted each other, we knew the guy next to us had our back — on and off the court. Here, it’s… different. And not in a good way.”Smart spent nine seasons with the Celtics, becoming the team’s defensive anchor and emotional leader. He lived through playoff heartbreaks, Finals runs, and countless battles alongside teammates who became family. That shared struggle built a foundation that, in his words, “you can’t manufacture.”The transition to his new team has been jarring — a harsh reminder that not every organization has that same culture. “It’s not about talent,” he said. “It’s about spirit. And Boston had something rare. I don’t think I’ll ever find it again.”Red Sox linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace as massive upgrade from Lucas Giolito
One of the Boston Red Sox’ main goals this offseason is to find another starting pitcher to be the No. 2 in their rotation. He’ll also have to be a replacement for Lucas Giolito, who is probably going to opt out of his contract and test free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes the Sox can get a massive upgrade from Giolito in Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, who is slated to be the top free agent pitcher of the offseason.
“Yet it's more likely he will turn it down and become a free agent, which would leave Boston with a hole to fill in its rotation after Crochet. He would need a proper No. 2 behind him, a role that neither Giolito nor Bello was perfectly suited for this season. Because their infield ranked fourth from the bottom of MLB with -20 Outs Above Average, the Red Sox aren't an ideal match for Valdez's ground-ball style. But with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow committed to improving the defense, the Red Sox could add Valdez as part of a broader project,” Rymer wrote.
This season, Valdez had a true meltdown in the final stretch, posting a 3.66 ERA, a record of 13-11, a WHIP of 1.245, and 187 Ks over 192 innings pitched. Before the trade deadline, when the meltdown started, Valdez was a monster. He posted a record of 11-4, a 2.62 ERA, and 141 Ks.
If the Sox can really upgrade their defense, Valdez seems like an interesting choice to put behind Garret Crochet. If he also makes sure he doesn’t have another meltdown, it would be pretty unfair for any offense that had to face the duo back-to-back.
Hopefully, the Sox give it a go, just to see what he would want, and if they could get the defensive upgrades they need for Valdez to work. However, if they don’t, no harm, no foul. They can always look elsewhere for their White Whale.
