Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Jaren Jackson Jr. opens up about $76 million Grizzlies decision

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 07: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum on February 07, 2023 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 - FEBRUARY 07: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum on February 07, 2023 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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Despite sporting one of the younger cores in the association today the Memphis Grizzlies are a team focused on vying for a championship as soon as this coming season, and many are under the impression that they have a legitimate shot of doing so thanks to the key adjustments and alterations made by GM Zach Kleiman this summer.

Easily the most notable move made by the franchise was the acquisition of veteran Marcus Smart via a multi-team blockbuster with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

Since arriving in Grind City back in late June, the point guard has received ample praise as a result of his sound comments and the overall intangibles that he’s expected to bring to this hungry Grizzlies team.

Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. recently continued with the trend of shelling out words of praise for the newly attained veteran during Team USA’s training camp while prepping for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as he described the integration of Smart into Memphis’ rotation with two words: “It’s dope.”

"“It’s great to have someone like that who can play both ends, who’s been in a championship environment,” Jackson said. “We know what he brings to a team, that passion, that heart, and he knows a lot about the game as well. His mind is gonna be working great for the locker room, all that type of stuff. So, great addition.”"

Jackson would also acknowledge that the looming 25-game suspension of Ja Morant creates “a real big hole to fill,” though it’s essentially guaranteed that the highly experienced Smart will help man lead backcourt responsibilities during his absence.

The 28-year-old’s addition to the Grizzlies is far from just a one-year rental in Memphis’ immediate hunt for the Larry O’Brien Trophy and, as noted, during their superstar guard’s upcoming suspension-ladened season as he has three years, $59.8 million remaining on his current $76 million deal, thus creating the hope that he’ll remain in tow through at least 2025-26.

Smart finds himself coming off an impressive 2022-23 campaign where he posted per-game averages of 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while helping guide his team to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

Throughout his nine-year NBA career, the guard has received numerous accolades for his on-court efforts including three All-Defensive team selections and, in 2021-22, the Defensive Player of the Year award.

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