Boston Celtics
“It was bizarre at first. … I undoubtedly did not assume that might be a chance however I am having fun with each final little bit of it.”
Marcus Smart didn’t placed on a purple-and-gold Lakers jersey in the course of the Celtics’ win at TD Backyard Friday night time, as he was out with a again damage.
However, he did take a while to replicate on the way it feels to play for the arch-rival Lakers. The Celtics drafted Good and he spent practically a decade in Boston.
However professional basketball is a enterprise, and his path wound up resulting in a cease in Los Angeles. The Celtics despatched him to Memphis within the commerce that netted Kristaps Porzingis forward of the 2024 season. After Memphis got here a short, injury-marred stint with Washington.
Now, the 31-year-old veteran guard is off to a brand new begin with the Lakers. He has performed in 14 video games, making 9 begins. He’s averaging 9.3 factors and 1.8 steals per sport.
“It was bizarre at first,” Good mentioned of switching sides within the rivalry. “Being right here 9 years, I undoubtedly didn’t assume that might be a chance however I’m having fun with each final little bit of it.”
“We’ve obtained an incredible workforce in L.A. We’ve obtained some gifted gamers and an incredible alternative enjoying with Luka (Doncic) and LeBron (James), two of the most effective to ever do it on this sport. Simply attempt to take and study from them and assist nevertheless I can. Excited and proud to be right here.”
The Celtics throttled the shorthanded Lakers, who have been with out James, Doncic, and Good, Friday night time. They’ve now gained 9 of their final 11 video games and are tied for fourth within the Jap Convention standings.
Good mentioned he isn’t shocked by how properly Boston is enjoying.
“It’s precisely what I assumed,” Good mentioned. “When you could have a basis just like the Celtics do, it’s simple to purchase in. They’re doing their factor … while you’ve obtained that pedigree you’re not shocked when guys go down and different guys come up. They’re benefiting from it.”
Regardless of the latest success, the Celtics have taken a noticeable step again this season with Jayson Tatum injured. Good mentioned he has saved in contact with Tatum, however not as a lot as he would love.
“Issues occur however I’ve been involved with him right here and there. He’s in good spirits. He’s good. And it’s all love,” Good mentioned. “I want him a speedy restoration. We hate to see that in any sport to any participant, however to a man of JT’s pedigree, his expertise, that’s robust. It hurts for the league and particularly for Boston.”
Whereas he’s excited to play in L.A., Good mentioned his emotions towards Boston haven’t modified. He mentioned he felt like he grew up within the metropolis after coming right here as a 19-year-old and spending most of his 20s there.
He talked about his engagement, which occurred not lengthy earlier than he was traded, as one in every of many fond recollections of Boston.
The teachings and development from the start of his profession are sticking with him to at the present time.
“That is the place I grew up at. It’s at all times going to carry a particular place for me wherever I’m at,” Good mentioned. “I’m blessed. It allowed me to be the individual I’m right this moment and the issues, the knowledge I realized from it, I’ll at all times take to coronary heart.”
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