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Russ Smith’s Lil B Connection Beneficial for Grizzlies?

By Christian Dudley

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May 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) passes the ball away from Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (19) during the fourth quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 101-86. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Being as Russ Smith has the respect of rapper “Lil B,” will this bode well for the Memphis Grizzlies moving forward?

“Lil B” has been making many headlines throughout the 2015 NBA Playoffs because of a “curse” he puts on players. He has “cursed” Kevin Durant in the past. More recently, he has cast a spell on the Houston Rockets’ James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith.

This past week, an old tweet from the Golden State Warriors’ Marreese Speights (a former member of the Memphis Grizzlies) displaying dislike of Lil B and his music was brought to the forefront. Since then, Speights has played below average–earning himself a spot on the bench for Game 3 of the 2015 NBA Finals.

Is this a creepy coincidence? Or is this some sort of wizardry that only affects professional ballers?

Apr 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (19) fouls Memphis Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) on a shot with Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights (5) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

At first, it seemed incredibly childish. A random rapper putting curses on basketball players? C’mon! However, after the cases of KD, Harden, and others, people are finally turning their heads and giving it some thought. What is it about the rapper that proclaims himself as being the “Based God” …whatever that means??

While nobody has an answer regarding the phenomenon known as Lil B’s Curse, there is one supporter of the rapper that could perhaps benefit the Memphis Grizzlies in the future.

Look no further than the Grizzlies’ Russ Smith. Smith just completed his rookie season in the NBA, but since at least his collegiate days at the University of Louisville, he has been a profound fanatic of Lil B and his rapping.

Take a look at Russ Smith’s Twitter account. He uses “#BasedKing” in his profile/biography section. He is consistently tweeting in conversation to/with Lil B himself. He’s a Lil B aficionado. Really.

Take a look.

This is just one of many instances of showing respect to each other between Russ Smith and Lil B. Assuming Russ soon sees meaningful playing time in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, could this mean that Lil B will openly support and favor the Grizz? Grizz Nation can only hope. Perhaps this is what they truly needed in order to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals–full respect from the rapper and a strong curse cast upon all Grizzlies’ foes.

If I were Memphis Grizzlies’ Head Coach Dave Joerger, I would certainly throw lots of minutes at Russ Smith so that he could show off his talents as soon as the 2015-16 season tips off. The franchise needs to also invite Lil B to some games–specifically playoff games–next season so that an NBA World Championship can be fully guaranteed in the 901.

At one point I thought I would be joking about this. Now, I am not so sure.

Lil B is trolling the NBA world and the Twitterverse. Is now the time to take him seriously, Grizz fans?

What do you think? Is the curse from Lil B a real thing? Should the Memphis Grizzlies bring Lil B to some games in order for Lil B to will the Grizz to victory? Let us know your thoughts!

Go Grizz!

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