3 ways the Marcus Smart trade helps the Memphis Grizzlies
By King Jemison
Providing the veteran leadership Memphis needs
Since Ja Morant’s first Instagram Live gun incident, NBA pundits have worn out the phrase “Memphis needs a veteran” like an old pair of socks. They aren’t wrong. While Steven Adams clearly tried to fill that veteran role, he didn’t have enough support. The Grizzlies had the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA last season, with an average age of 24. That youth reared its ugly head repeatedly, from Ja Morant’s off-court incidents to Dillon Brooks’ constant instigation to their horrific 16-28 road record (including playoffs).
Marcus Smart is the perfect elixir for Memphis’ disease of youth. He’s made the playoffs in each of his nine NBA seasons. He’s played in 108 playoff games – 10 more than the entire Grizzlies franchise. His Celtics teams have won 12 playoff series. He’s made big shots throughout those playoff runs.
Smart will set the example of incredible effort and demand his teammates to match it. He’s won the NBA Hustle Award three times. It’s no coincidence that he’s constantly been on winning teams when he constantly makes winning plays like this:
"I go out there and leave everything I have on the floor."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 21, 2023
Nobody hustles harder than @smart_MS3 😤 pic.twitter.com/5zy629nj9E
At age 29, he still fits the Grizzlies timeline. Barring major injuries, he should be ready to contribute for at least the remainder of his three-year, extremely team-friendly contract (he makes about $20 million annually). Smart can play a key part in this tantalizing title window for Memphis.
Smart doesn’t fill all the Grizzlies roster holes. Their projected starting lineup will be undersized with Ja Morant at 6’3”, Smart at 6’4”, and Desmond Bane at 6’6”. But Smart’s wingspan and defensive awareness alongside Bane’s strength should make up for that size deficit. Plus, they have this year’s DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. to clean up any defensive lapses.
Smart is also not the shooter Grizzlies fans coveted after this year’s playoff disaster vs. the Lakers. Yet he still should add value to the Grizzlies offense with his passing and his willingness to defer after playing with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Grizzlies filled their hole in the starting lineup, provided insurance for Ja Morant’s suspension, and brought in the veteran they needed at the cost of Tyus Jones and two picks. This trade is an unqualified success for Memphis.