In a finalizing trade between three teams, Marcus Smart seems to be heading to Memphis to help aid the Grizzlies. The trade gives the Celtics Kristaps Porzingis two first-round draft picks from Memphis, and the Wizards get Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and a few draft picks from Boston.
So, with all these moves being made, the question is, what does Smart bring to Memphis?
Marcus Smart: Memphis’ Leader
Marcus’ Fit With the Grizzlies
Leadership
Marcus Smart was the leader of the Celtics. He brought toughness, grit and could call out his teammates when they did not play to their potential. He earned respect in the Celtics locker room due to his leadership in aiding them out of tough spots. Former Boston teammate Al Horford explained how he saw “the guard develop into a guiding force for his teammates.” Horford is a veteran who saw many leaders in his career, and the big man had high praise for Smart.
Memphis needs a leader. Described as a team with maturity issues, the Grizzlies need a veteran leader. More specifically, they need someone to hold Superstar Ja Morant accountable for his actions and keep Morant on the court. Morant has been suspended 25 games without pay for once again “wielding a firearm” on Instagram Live. Therefore, Smart is a perfect leader to help get Morant back on track. His experience, toughness, and ability to hold teammates accountable will help Morant mature into the player Memphis needs him to be on and off the court.
Memphis needs a leader, and Smart is the perfect candidate for that role, and he can use this skill to get Memphis relevant in the title race again.
Defense
Marcus Smart was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and paired with Jaren Jackson Jr., this year’s Defensive Player of the Year. Memphis has a great defender on the perimeter and a good defender at the rim. It makes the Grizzlies, on paper, one of the better defensive teams in the league.
Memphis was one of the best defenses in 2023, where they were second in Defensive rating in the regular season. With the loss of Dillion Brooks, one of their better defenders, the Grizzlies now get an upgrade with Smart. Smart is a smart and savvy defender who moves his feet well, has terrific hands and can guard multiple positions. With Smart, Memphis poises to be a great defensive team this upcoming season. Therefore, adding Smart is an excellent move to improve their defense into the best in the NBA.
Playoff Experience
Unfortunately, Memphis has only been out of the first round once in the three years they made the playoffs with Ja Morant. Most notably, they got blown out by 40 points to the Lakers in their last playoff loss. Smart has a lot of playoff experience and successful playoff runs. In Boston, Marcus got to five ECFS and one NBA Finals. Therefore, he has the wisdom to embark on this younger Memphis team that has not shared the same success in the postseason.
Last Word on Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies
Smart is an excellent player and leader. He improves Memphis and their chances at making a title run if this trade has no hiccups. Seeing Smart in a new uniform and seeing if he brings the same impact will be fun. Memphis needs to turn a new page and be successful again. Smart’s experience, defensive intensity, and ability to hold players accountable may get Memphis to reach high heights.
It will be interesting to witness how Boston does without its heart and soul and who responds as its new voice.
