/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69995456/1235700631.0.jpg)
Per The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Celtics have suspended Marcus Smart from Friday's final preseason game in Miami tomorrow for "breaching team rule." They have resolved the matter, and Smart has been with the team on their mini-road trip to Florida.
Speaking to the media, Udoka noted that the Celtics will keep details of the rule violation internal, noting that it's already been handled.
"He's remorseful, and we hold Marcus to a high standard. We've made it clear from day one. He'll obviously be out tomorrow night, and he's with us on the trip, just look forward to moving on from this and growing and obviously abiding by the team's rules and principles. Marcus is one of our leaders we expect a lot from, he understands that he's remorseful, and we'll move on from there."
When pressed on what rule Smart broke, Udoka informed the media, "it's one of my rules. We talked about it from day one," before noting, "he'll be ready to go opening night."
Ime Udoka is keeping Marcus Smart's violation internal, but says that Marcus is remorseful pic.twitter.com/B9bd61d3YN
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 14, 2021
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Smart's suspension is due to the veteran guard missing the team plane to Orlando. Smart did not play in yesterday's loss with the team's veteran crew taking the game off "for rest."
Per Ime Udoka, Boston will be electing two team captains this season. Smart is the longest-tenured Celtic entering his eighth season after signing a four-year, $77 million extension this summer. The veteran point guard averaged 13.1 points per game last season and is widely expected to step into the starting point guard role this year following the departure of Kemba Walker.
The Celtics are set to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Opening Night on October 20th, where the team will face off against two former Celtics in Walker and Evan Fournier who left the franchise during this year's free agency period.
Loading comments...