3 ways the Marcus Smart trade helps the Memphis Grizzlies

Boosting the Grizzlies halfcourt offense with passing and playmaking

Marcus Smart’s greatest strength is his defense. His passing is a close second.

The Memphis Grizzlies desperately need that playmaking boost. Despite a stated intention by GM Zach Kleiman to improve the halfcourt offense, it once again lagged at 22nd in the NBA last season. The Grizzlies had few reliable options when the game slowed down in the fourth quarter. Unless Ja Morant singlehandedly steamrolled his way to a bucket in the paint, the Grizzlies crunch time offense consisted of bad shots, turnovers, and empty possessions.

Now, they bring in a player who is comfortable with the ball in his hands or as an off-ball connective piece. Smart has ranked in the Top 10 for assist: usage ratio amongst wings for the past five seasons. He didn’t have the ball that often in Boston, but he still found ways to make plays for his teammates. He averaged a career-high 6.3 assists last season. He’s put up at least 5.7 assists per game in the past three seasons.

Smart can also create for himself by getting to the rim. He can be a release valve late in the shot clock or clutch situations. This play against the Nets in the 2022 Playoffs shows his nerve and playmaking under pressure.

He’s not a particularly good shooter. He’s shot 41% from the field and 33% from three the past two seasons. But he commands more respect from three-point range than Dillon Brooks. If you choose to sag off Smart, he can make you pay as a passer – à la Draymond Green. More importantly, he knows his role. Smart averaged 10.2 field goal attempts per game over the past three seasons. Brooks averaged 14.8.

Smart will help Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. with his passing. He won’t take away from them by taking bad shots. This speaks to the last and perhaps most important quality he brings to the Grizzlies.