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2 Grizzlies who could become first time All-Stars in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics smiles at the Dallas Mavericks bench. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics smiles at the Dallas Mavericks bench. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

2. Marcus Smart

Though many may be focusing on the mentorship that Marcus Smart is expected to bring to both Ja Morant and this young Memphis Grizzlies team as a whole, perhaps lost in the conversation is the fact that the point guard is without a doubt one of the better two-way backcourt talents currently in the league.

Since taking over as a full-time starting one during the 2021-22 season, the 29-year-old has posted solid averages of 18.1 points, 9.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per 100 possessions while sporting an astounding defensive rating of 109.

However, for the majority of this time, he’s been surrounded by superstar talents such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown taking ample touches and opportunities away from him.

Memphis’ lone superstar will be shelved for a considerable amount of time during his upcoming inaugural season with the Grizzlies, meaning the veteran will not only be tasked with serving as the club’s unquestioned lead floor general (something that was not predominantly the case with the position-less Celtics) but also as one of their main go-to options on both ends of the floor.

Partnering him with Jaren Jackson Jr. will create one of the most electric one-two punches on both ends of the floor what with their defensive instincts and the potential for a strong pick-and-roll/ pop game on offense, while letting him run the offense, even for just the 25 games Morant’s out, could easily find Marcus Smart boasting career-best numbers which, as a result, could put him in the conversation for the star-studded in-season exhibition.

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