Though the vast majority of Memphis Grizzlies fans have been outwardly elated with the recent acquisition of veteran Marcus Smart, the guard has been seen taking a beating online regarding a recent Instagram post.
In response to a picture of the 29-year-old on a golf course accompanied by a genuinely wholesome caption reading, “Never a bad day of golf wth my family at Corales in Punta Cana,” Twitter users went on to take some playful jabs at the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.
One user took a shot at his stance in the image, noting that the end result of the stroke will likely be far from seeing the ball land within putting distance.
The only green he’s touching with that form
— joey sports (@BostonTakes34) July 24, 2023
Another user pointed out the fact that the 6-foot-3 Marcus Smart may need a new set of clubs that are better suited for someone of his frame.
https://twitter.com/KornetEnjoyer/status/1683433678913826816?s=20
One individual went as far as to boldly suggest that Smart appears to have gained a few pounds since the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
Is anyone concerned w how big he is looking?
— Harry Schedler (@HarrySchedler) July 24, 2023
Despite this presumably playful online discourse, fans are seemingly champing at the bit to see Marcus Smart kick off his inaugural season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24.
Viewed as a much-needed mentor for polarizing superstar guard Ja Morant, the guard’s arrival has some such as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne believing the club is now officially ready to contend with reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, for the Western Conference and, more importantly, NBA crown.
Smart finds himself coming off an impressive final season with the Boston Celtics, posting per-game averages of 11.5 points, 6.3 assists (career-high), 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
Outside of his expected impact as a leader on Taylor Jenkins’ young roster, the three-time All-Defensive selection will now form one of the best one-two punches on the less glamorous side of the ball alongside 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and is slated to serve as the primary replacement at the starting one spot until Morant returns from his 25-game suspension.
Though many social media users may be underwhelmed by his presence on the golf course, Grizzlies fans should be excited to see what he can and will provide their club while on the hardwood.
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