Marcus Smart’s return to Boston is a celebration of much more than basketball. During his nine seasons as a member of the Boston Celtics, Smart made a lasting impact on those in need in the community far away from the basketball court. Ahead of Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced Smart would appropriately be  named the game’s “Hero Among Us.”

Since 1997, the Celtics organization has honored outstanding individuals in the greater New England area who have helped or aided the lives of others. Smart’s long list of charitable efforts in the region during his time in Boston made him a worthy recipient of the recognition.

In a press release before the game, the Celtics announced Smart would be honored as the “Hero Among Us” for the night “for being as relentless in his support for New England as he was on the Parquet.”

Through his YoungGameChanger Foundation, Smart raised money for pediatric cancer patients and their families. YGC has also created opportunities for education for sports and mentorship programs in the area, as well as in Texas where Smart was born.

Smart was also a frequent visitor to Boston’s Children’s Hospital. He spent many hours visiting with kids undergoing cancer treatment. He also donated mobile charging stations as part of his “Smart Cart” initiative.

Smart impact on the court was hard to quantify. But his impact away from the game is even more difficult to put into words. From the time he joined the Celtics in 2014 he has been a stalwart of doing right by the community and trying to make a positive change for those in need. For those reasons and more, he was an obvious selection for Sunday’s honor.

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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire