Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Marcus Smart looks to help the organization reach new heights after an injury-riddled 2023-24. Smart is one of the association’s handful of Swiss army knife players. His role versatility and production will be vital. Ultimately, his level of play may define the Grizzlies’ chances in the ever-so battle-tested Western Conference. At media day, the Oklahoma State stand-out Smart was asked about his thoughts on his potential role and chemistry based on last season:
I [Marcus Smart] think it gave us a glimpse. I don’t think it gave us the full picture but definitely a glimpse. Those games where you’ve seen us you know we were playing very well. We were meshing and the chemistry was coming along. So, I think that was good, but it definitely wasn’t a full sample size for us, and I think that kind of messed us up a little bit, because we really wanted to come out and show what this group can do, and injuries stopped us from that. But having experienced those sample sizes of games, it definitely gives me an idea and a mindset of how things can go, where they’re going to go, and what we need to work on to continue to have those groups where we’re just going and keeping that chemistry alive. It’s hard when everybody gets hurt. So, from that sample size I do like what we accomplished, what we’ve seen, and what we have the opportunity to work on.
Smart has made a career 108 playoff appearances (73 starts), which easily leads the entire Grizzlies roster. What makes his role in Memphis a key one but also seamless is his experience at his previous stop. As a member of the Boston Celtics, Smart was a daunting point-of-attack defender who defended positions one through four routinely. Smart instrumented a unique ability to co-exist with former teammate floor generals Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker over the majority of his career. Smart played a major component in the maturation of both Celtics’ superstar wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as well. The Boston Celtics paced a top-two defense in the league each of Smart’s last two seasons as a Celtic, including his DPOY campaign in 2022.
Grizz’s Lionhearted Marcus Smart is X-Factor to Western Conference Hopes
Smart’s Value to the Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are 2-1 so far through three games this season. Next, they’ll be hosting the Chicago Bulls Monday night at the FedEx Forum for a brief three-game homestand. Marcus Smart is averaging a mere 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just over 22 minutes a contest. Though his shooting efficiency has been underwhelming in the early stages of the season, his impact remains immense. Smart has displayed a strong rapport with his backcourt and front-court teammates on both sides of the floor.
Smart being able to fill the void as a connective passer and point-of-attack defender is a dimension past Grizzlies’ teams simply didn’t have the luxury of. He doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty just like former Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks. The difference with Smart is that there’s no fall-off in the offense when Smart is orchestrating during non-Ja Morant minutes because of his naturally gifted point guard skills. He’s a stout enough guard that he can guard bigger wings and also decoy as a screener for guys like Morant, Desmond Bane, and Scotty Pippen Jr.
Clean Slate
His switching versatility is still a major reason why, at 30 years old, Smart is still one of the league’s most prized assets on the defensive end. Smart ranks in the 95th percentile for defensive estimated plus-minus. Notably, higher than ball stoppers Derrick White, Herb Jones, and OG Anunoby. Opponents are shooting 38.5% from the floor when matched up against Marcus Smart. Alongside fellow defensive anchor Jaren Jackson Jr, they’ll look to make the Grizzlies one of the more commanding two-way teams in the league.
As Smart gets more acclimated with the Grizzlies young stars in the half-court, it’s refreshing to see his commitment to the other facets of the game hasn’t changed. The veteran guard will be a voice to lean on in a Grizzlies locker room that’s eager to build on winning habits. Smart brings his outstanding experience, defensive IQ, and intangibles to Memphis, a team that’s been in dire need of a presence to help take them over the top. Good thing for them, there’s one before their very eyes.
