What Does Russ Smith Bring to the Memphis Grizzlies?

Oct 4, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Russ Smith (9) pressures Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) during the second half of play at KFC Yum! Center. New Orleans defeated Miami 98-86. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Former Louisville Cardinal and NCAA National Championship team member Russ Smith became a member of the Memphis Grizzlies following the completion of a blockbuster trade on Monday, but what will he provide?

Russ Smith is a current rookie that was drafted in the second round of a deep draft–pick number 47 to be exact. He is 6’0″ and weighs in at only 165 pounds.

Let me get this out of the way first. Russ Smith is a winner!

Russ Smith may seem small in physical size, but his heart for the game represents a polar opposite. He is tough as nails and he is fearless on the court. He will attack the rim regardless of who is defending the paint. He led the Louisville Cardinals to a victory in the 2013 NCAA National Championship Game.

Think of Allen Iverson–yes, a former Grizzly, but I will step aside from that shaky subject. Iverson, known as “The Answer,” was the smallest player on the court most nights during his lengthy NBA career, yet he normally led all scorers night in and night out. Russ Smith has a very similar build and game to the legendary Answer.

Sep 29, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Russ Smith (9) poses for photos during the Pelicans media day at the New Orleans Pelicans practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

I have watched many of Russ Smith’s collegiate games at the University of Louisville since I am native to the area. While I do not proclaim myself to be a Louisville Cardinals fans in any way whatsoever, I am intrigued by Smith’s game. He never backs down on defense–a scavenging hawk on the hardwood. He hustles. He scraps. He may break out some playground hoops moves that will remind you of Allen Iverson himself. These aspects of his game are where he makes up for his lack of size.

While Jeff Green was the main focus in their recent three-team deal involving the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis’ Front Office made it well-known this past offseason that they were very interested in acquiring the former Cardinal leading up to the NBA Draft. Things did not go as planned at the time, but on Monday, the executives finally landed their guy.

Russ Smith is the name. Ballin’ out is his game.

While Russ may not see many minutes right away to begin his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, I believe his time will come and he will be a Grizz Nation fan favorite. Gaining experience is key for the young guard right now.

It is uncertain if Russ Smith will become a globally-known icon as Allen Iverson, but a Grizz fan can hope. A few flashes here and there will suffice.

What is certain about Russ? He is another secret weapon the Grizzlies can pull out at any time to produce instant offense or even tenacious defense if needed. He fits the Grizzly grit-‘n’-grind mold that every Grizzlies fan appreciates. He is just 23 years young, so he will provide fresh legs to the Grizzlies’ backcourt for years to come.

Grizzlies fans, get excited for “Russdiculous.”

Go Grizz!