Marcus Smart to earn ‘Hero Among Us’ honors in return to TD Garden

During his return to Boston, Marcus Smart will be honored with a “Hero Among Us” Award.

Marcus Smart’s return to Boston is a celebration of much more than basketball. During his nine seasons as a member of the Boston Celtics, Smart made a lasting impact on those in need in the community far away from the basketball court. Ahead of Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced Smart would appropriately be  named the game’s “Hero Among Us.”

Since 1997, the Celtics organization has honored outstanding individuals in the greater New England area who have helped or aided the lives of others. Smart’s long list of charitable efforts in the region during his time in Boston made him a worthy recipient of the recognition.

In a press release before the game, the Celtics announced Smart would be honored as the “Hero Among Us” for the night “for being as relentless in his support for New England as he was on the Parquet.”