You’re walking through TD Garden, and even though it’s 2026, you still see them everywhere. That specific shade of kelly green with the thick white "36" stitched on the back. It’s been years since the trade that shook the city, yet the marcus smart boston celtics jersey remains a staple of the Boston wardrobe. It's weird, right? Usually, when a player gets shipped out—especially in a deal for a guy like Kristaps Porzingis—the old jerseys end up in the clearance bin or the back of a closet.
But Smart isn't "usual."
For nine seasons, Marcus Smart was the heartbeat of the Celtics. He wasn't the best scorer (we all remember those wild heat-check threes) and he wasn't the tallest guy on the floor. But he was the guy who would dive into the front row for a loose ball in a preseason game. That’s why people still wear the jersey. It’s a badge of honor for a certain type of fan who values floor burns over box scores.
The Shock That Never Quite Wore Off
Honestly, the trade to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 felt like a breakup nobody saw coming. Smart himself was reportedly "completely shocked." He thought he’d be a Celtic for life. He wanted to retire in that green jersey. Instead, he ended up in Memphis, then Washington, and eventually the Lakers.
Seeing him in a Lakers jersey? That’s just wrong. It feels like a glitch in the simulation.
Because of that sudden exit, the marcus smart boston celtics jersey became a sort of legacy item overnight. It stopped being "current gear" and became a "classic." If you own one, you’re telling the world you were there for the grit-and-grind years. You were there when he won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, becoming the first guard since Gary Payton to do it.
Which Version Should You Actually Own?
If you’re hunting for one now, you’ve basically got three main "eras" to choose from. Each one says something different about your fandom.
The Adidas Original (2014-2017)
These are the relics. Smart was drafted 6th overall in 2014, back when Adidas still had the NBA contract. These jerseys have a slightly different cut and that iconic "Swingman" mesh that feels a bit heavier than the modern stuff. Finding an authentic Marcus Smart rookie-era jersey is getting tougher, but they’re the ultimate "I was here first" flex.
The Nike Icon and Association Editions
This is the standard. Kelly green or crisp white. Most of the marcus smart boston celtics jersey stock you see on eBay or secondary markets right now are these Nike versions. They feature the "Vistaprint" patch that became synonymous with the Tatum/Brown/Smart core.
The City Editions (The Fun Stuff)
Celtics fans are divided on these. Some loved the 2019-20 "Enamel Green" with the Irish-inspired lettering. Others preferred the 2022-23 "Bill Russell" tribute with the script text. Smart looked particularly intense in the black "Statement Edition" jerseys. Those are arguably the best-looking ones if you’re trying to wear it out to a bar or a casual run at the gym.
Why 36 Won’t Be Retired (But Still Matters)
There is a constant debate in Boston sports bars: Will the Celtics retire number 36?
Probably not.
Look, the Celtics rafters are crowded. Like, really crowded. They’ve retired 23 numbers. To get up there, you usually need a ring. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo haven't even had their numbers retired yet, and they won a championship in 2008. Smart helped lead the team to the 2022 Finals, but without that elusive 18th banner during his tenure, 36 is likely to remain in circulation.
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Does that make the jersey less valuable? Not at all. In fact, it makes it more of a "fan’s jersey." It belongs to the people who appreciate the "Winnies"—those tiny, winning plays that don't show up in a highlight reel.
Buying a Marcus Smart Jersey in 2026: What to Know
If you’re looking to pick one up today, you aren't going to find it on the front rack of the official NBA Store next to Jayson Tatum's newest City Edition. You have to be a bit more tactical.
- Secondary Markets: Sites like eBay and Mercari are your best bet. A pre-owned Swingman usually goes for anywhere between $30 and $60.
- Authentics vs. Replicas: If you want the stitched numbers (the "Authentic" line), expect to pay upwards of $150. The "Swingman" versions have heat-applied graphics which are better for everyday wear.
- The "Custom" Route: Some fans are still ordering "Custom" Celtics jerseys and just typing in SMART and 36. It’s a bit pricier, but it’s the only way to get a brand-new one with the current Nike jersey tech.
The Emotional Value of the Jersey
There’s a specific memory most fans have. It’s Game 3 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals against Miami. Smart goes down with a gruesome-looking ankle sprain, gets carried to the locker room, and everyone thinks he’s done. Ten minutes later, he jogs back out to a deafening roar and hits a huge three.
That’s what the marcus smart boston celtics jersey represents. It’s resilience. It’s being a bit "too much" sometimes. It’s the refusal to go away quietly.
Even as the Celtics move into a new era with different stars, Smart’s impact is baked into the culture. He taught the Jays how to lead. He taught the fans how to appreciate defense. When you wear that 36, you’re keeping that "Celtics Pride" version of the game alive.
Next Steps for Your Collection
If you're looking to track down a high-quality Marcus Smart jersey, start by checking verified sellers on eBay who provide photos of the wash tags to ensure you aren't getting a knock-off. For those who want the look without the jersey price tag, look for the "Name & Number" tees, which are much easier to find and arguably more comfortable for a long game night at the arena. Finally, if you're a serious collector, keep an eye on NBA Auctions; game-worn Smart jerseys from the 2022 Finals occasionally surface, offering a true piece of Celtics history.