Boston guard Marcus Smart will miss the team’s final pre-season game on Friday but should be ready for the season opener on Wednesday.
Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka (left) has reportedly suspended Marcus Smart for Friday’s final pre-season game. Winslow Townson / Associated Press
The Boston Celtics have banned Marcus Smart for violating team rules, Celtics coach Ime Udoka confirmed on Wednesday.
Udoka said Smart broke one of his rules and is ready for opening night on Wednesday against the Knicks. Smart said it was handled internally, adding that it is « between us and the team ». Boston is playing its last preseason game in Miami on Friday and that will be Smart’s suspension.
« It’s internal, » Udoka said of the suspension. “We handled it. He is remorseful and we hold Marcus to a high standard. We got it straight from day 1 so obviously he will be out (Friday) night. He is here with us on the journey. Just look forward to continuing from that growth and obviously abiding by team rules and principles. Marcus is one of our leaders who we expect a lot from, he understands that. ”
Smart was on the Florida trip to Orlando and Miami, but the problem seems to be travel related. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Smart was banned for missing the team flight.
Against Miami, the Celtics will have to do without Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, both of whom tested positive for COVID-19 and are in quarantine. Udoka said they expect Brown to return before the regular season, but Horford’s status is still up in the air due to the quarantine timeline.
Smart put the preseason game on Wednesday due to rest and joined Jayson Tatum, Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson as veterans on the bench. His suspension means he won’t see the pitch until the season opener.
KYRIE IRVING said late Wednesday that he didn’t want to lose any salary or the chance to compete for a championship with the Brooklyn Nets, but was doing “that Best for me ”by refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Nets decided on Tuesday that Irving would not be on the team as he would not be allowed to play home games where a New Yorker is Mandate requires professional athletes on one of the city’s teams to be vaccinated to train or play in public places. On Instagram Live, Irving said he loves basketball and would not retire.
« I do what is best for myself. I know the ramifications here, and if that means I’ll be judged and demonized for it, that’s exactly what it is, ”said Irving. « That’s the role I play, but I never wanted to give up my passion, my love, my dream just because of this mandate. »
Irving could have practiced with the Nets and participated in street games outside of New York. The Nets will pay him for it, but he’s giving up about half his $ 35 million salary by missing home games.
« So what? It’s not about the money, » Irving said. « It can It’s not always about the money. It’s about choosing the best for you. Do you think I really want to lose money? «
Irving said he supported people who were vaccinated and not and expressed his appreciation for doctors. The all-star security guard gave no indication that he was against a vaccination, only that he chose not to.
« I’ll repeat that again. This is not about the Nets, this is it’s not about the organization, it’s not about the NBA, it’s not about politics, « said Irving. » It’s not a thing. It’s just about the freedom of what I want to do. «
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