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Memphis Grizzlies’ Russ Smith a True Point Guard?

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith addresses the media prior to practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Russ Smith is showing that he can put scoring second and make plays for his teammates, but will that be consistent?

Russ Smith did not see many NBA minutes in his debut season in the association, but he did get some valuable experience with the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and with the Iowa Energy of the Developmental League. “Russdiculous” displayed the hot hand all throughout college and in the NBDL in a plethora of ways. He is a natural born scorer from nearly anywhere on any basketball court.

Smith stands at just 6’0″ while weighing in at only 165 pounds; however, you cannot measure his love for the game. They do not get much more passionate for basketball than Russ.

Nobody has questioned his excitement for the game or even his leadership. He was one of the most important factors in bringing a National Championship to the University of Louisville in 2013. He can rally his troops in critical moments of BIG games. But is Russ Smith a true–pure–point guard?

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

Casual NBA fans may instantly point out that Russ Smith must only play the point position and that he would get “gobbled up” by taller and longer opponents. Little do most know, “Russdiculous” can do more than hold his own on defense and he will light up absolutely any defender in his path. His height is deceiving to his game, even in the professional ranks.

So is Russ Smith a player that can stick to the point and be more of a facilitator rather than the primary focus of offensive production?

Grizz Nation has not seen enough from Russ to fully answer that question. If anything, the question has begun to answer itself in the first two games of the 2015 Orlando Summer League. Smith and the Memphis Grizzlies have completed two games thus far, with Smith–jersey No. 2–being the clear-cut Player of the Game on Sunday versus the Charlotte Hornets with 14 points, seven assists, and three steals.

These are glimpses of what could eventually be Russ Smith suiting up for the Grizzlies in a regular rotational role on the squad. This summer, he is displaying his ability to put his teammates first to generate offense–making amazing plays featuring dazzling passes–but he has taken over in closing moments to knock down big shots and put the game away (such as in Sunday’s victory).

Brett D. Roberts of FanSided’s Orlando Magic Daily was able to extend a helping hand to Beale Street Bears this holiday weekend and shot some footage of the Memphis Grizzlies in the Orlando Summer League.

Smith has shown exceptional court vision. From these highlights, you can tell that he is a multi-dimensional player and he is not always looking for his own shot. He is a team player that gets after it on both ends of the floor–true grit-‘n’-grind basketball.

With a team full of twos and threes on the roster–as is the Memphis Grizzlies’ current case–Russ may find that his niche is being a true point guard. I believe that this is what he is learning right now–in the past two games and for the remainder of summer league play. That may be the sole key at notching a guaranteed roster spot for next season all while gaining valuable NBA minutes on a consistent and regular basis. Not only will it help his chances with the Grizzlies, but it is naturally showing in his game as being the perfect fit position-wise for him.

“Russdiculous” is making his case early in summer league action to make the final roster going into the 2015-16 season. There is a lot of water to flow under the bridge between now and late-October, but Russ Smith is turning heads in Grizz Nation and making everyone take notice.

Russ is solidifying a backup point guard spot for himself with the Grizz.

Will he earn it?

Continue to check Beale Street Bears to find out. Connect with us throughout the offseason for all news, info, rumors, and much more regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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