The MVP chants for Marcus Smart may have been a bit overzealous, but the heart-felt intent was not. Boston Celtics fans adore this man. What started as a light moment as Smart was once again dislodging a wedged basketball from the vicinity of the hoop quickly turned into a loud outpouring of love for a warrior that has transformed himself into a valid role model for young and old alike - quite an accomplishment for a 25-year-old (per MassLive's John Karalis):
Boston fans can be borderline-cruel when they have issues with a player, even one of their own. In Smart's early days with the Celtics, some sports writers and fans got on him for his erratic play and errant shot attempts. All of that is gone. His offense has solidified - his defense remains ferocious - and his overall manner with fans and writers has become (dare I say it) placid. He has fought adversity, including the death of his mom, Camellia, and has come out of it a better basketball player and member of society.
I choose my role models very carefully. And I will direct my great grandson, Carson Thomas Lane, to follow my lead. Boston Celtics fans, including myself, feel that Marcus has passed, and aced, all the tests. A 7-year-old can do far worse than following the lead of Marcus Smart and Tom Brady.
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“I remember a time when those chants were different types of chants for me,” Smart said, remembering back to a time where he was considered little more than a maniac on the floor with a broken jumper. “I just stayed with it, kept working, finally people are seeing the things that I’m valuable, that I bring to the table on every given night.”
“I know right? But it’s special,” Smart said with a laugh. “It’s special, you know. Because those chants -- yeah, we know I’m probably not the MVP, but those chants of that signify what I mean to this city, this team, and this crowd.”
Boston fans can be borderline-cruel when they have issues with a player, even one of their own. In Smart's early days with the Celtics, some sports writers and fans got on him for his erratic play and errant shot attempts. All of that is gone. His offense has solidified - his defense remains ferocious - and his overall manner with fans and writers has become (dare I say it) placid. He has fought adversity, including the death of his mom, Camellia, and has come out of it a better basketball player and member of society.
Carson Thomas Lane- I lost my mom recently to. But it’s people like ur great grandpa who will get u thru the tough times as you grow up. Much love young stud!— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) November 14, 2019
Twitter- u know what to do. Send mail that uplifts & showers this kid w love. I’ll do my thing 2. https://t.co/JXZUmU3VeK
7 year old Carson Lane lost his mother one week ago today to cystic fibrosis. His inspirations have been @TomBrady @Patriots and @smart_MS3 @celtics Carson just wants well wish cards to get him through this. Please DM me for his mailing address. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/186u9FecDp— Malini Basu (@WFXTMalini) November 15, 2019
I choose my role models very carefully. And I will direct my great grandson, Carson Thomas Lane, to follow my lead. Boston Celtics fans, including myself, feel that Marcus has passed, and aced, all the tests. A 7-year-old can do far worse than following the lead of Marcus Smart and Tom Brady.
Note: My sincere thanks to my followers and others that reacted so quickly and so thoroughly to my original plea to Carsen Edwards that resulted in a torrent of cards and gifts. And Marcus was right there. Isn't he always. When the game seems lost, he just comes up with a play that restores hope for a victory. No fluff. No nonsense. Just a sense of purpose that accomplishes what needs to be done. Carson and I, along with our family, will be attending the Nuggets game at TD Garden on December 6. Thank to Taylor Snow @taylorcsnow for his assistance.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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