Jaren Jackson Jr. issues honest take on $76 million Grizzlies decision
By Mark Nilon
The big move made by the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason was the splashy multi-team blockbuster involving the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics that sent Marcus Smart to Grind City.
With this transaction, head coach Taylor Jenkins will now be in possession of a rotation consisting of the league’s two latest Defensive Player of the Year award recipients in Smart and, most recently, Jaren Jackson Jr.
On July 15, while in attendance at the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League, the star big man addressed the addition of the veteran guard with Grind City Media’s Jessica Benson, noting that he has already reached out to welcome him to the team and that he’s excited to be apart of the first club in league history to roster the most recent DPOY winners at the same time.
“I already texted him, welcoming him. It’s amazing,” Jackson told Benson. “It’s not something you can really make up. It doesn’t happen a lot. They said it was the first time ever, so I can’t wait to pick up some things from him, learn from him, he always brings that special something a team. We know that, so I can’t wait to be around him and really get to work.”
Jackson would continue with this vocalized excitement for the new-look Grizzlies in 2023-24, stating that he’s “itching to play” and that “I’d rather hoop” than watch Summer League basketball.
The addition of Marcus Smart is being viewed as a move that could end up doing much more than just bolster Memphis’ defensive production during the upcoming campaign.
The $76 million vet has proven to be a dependable lead guard for title-contending clubs during his nine years of action in the association, and, since taking over full-time starting one duties back in 2021, has posted solid per-game averages of 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while seeing two consecutive conference finals visits and, in 2022, a trip to the NBA Finals.
Marcus Smart will now be formulating one of the game’s best one-two punches alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., but will also likely serve as the main replacement option for Ja Morant as the team’s starting point guard during the superstar’s 25-game suspension to start the season and is expected to serve as a mentor for him upon his return.
The 29-year-old’s addition is anticipated to have much more than just a positive impact on the defensive end for the Grizzlies this coming season and is a major reason why some such as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne believe the franchise could now prove to be the biggest threat to the reigning champion Denver Nuggets in their chase for another title in 2024.
