Celtics’ Payton Pritchard on Marcus Smart’s trade to the Memphis Grizzlies

“It’s a good opportunity for some of us, but he’s definitely going to be missed,” shared Pritchard.

It’s not just the fans of the Boston Celtics who are still getting used to Marcus Smart not being on the team. Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard recently shared his feelings about seeing the Flower Mound native on the Memphis Grizzlies in an interview with the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.

“It’s tough,” related the former Oregon standout. “I’ve played with Marcus for three years and I’ve been around him since the beginning of my NBA journey. So, he’s helped me a lot. I look at him like a big brother. He’s a tremendous player.

“I know he’ll continue to do great things,” suggested Pritchard of Smart’s new role with the Grizzlies next season.

The West Linn native also had thoughts on how Boston will have adjust in his absence, noting “for what he brought at the defensive end and just his leadership in different areas, we’re all going to have to step up and fill those gaps.”

“It’s a good opportunity for some of us, but he’s definitely going to be missed.”

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