This summer, the Memphis Grizzlies proved to be one of the busiest teams in the association with their myriad of rotational shakeups. Easily the most noteworthy move made by GM Zach Kleiman and company was the splashy trade for point guard Marcus Smart.
The veteran’s arrival has brought about many positive discussions, with fans and analysts alike believing that his addition to the rotation could prove to be a massive step toward legitimate championship contention.
Simply put, faithful followers of the Grizzlies organization are champing at the bit while they wait to see their new guard in on-court action. Unfortunately, we’re still two months away from such a happening, though recently Smart gave his followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) a first look at him donning Grind City gear.
A first look at Marcus Smart in Grizzlies attire
The response from fans was far more positive than compared to the ones he received on his previous social media posts, with one user pushing out the always-appreciated goat emoji.
One of the most polarizing two-way backcourt talents in the NBA today, Smart finds himself coming to Memphis fresh off a 2022-23 campaign with the Boston Celtics where he posted impressive per-game averages of 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
Outside of his counting stats, the point guard also finds himself boasting career accolades that include three All-Defensive nods along with a Defensive Player of the Year award and has appeared in five conference finals as well as an NBA Finals just two seasons ago.
With Smart now a part of Taylor Jenkins’ rotation the hope is that he can hold down the fort at the starting one spot during Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension to start the year, help formulate one of the league’s best one-two punches on the less glamorous side of the ball alongside reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr., and, overall, serve as a much-needed mentor for this highly promising yet still youthful Grizzlies team.
Ranking Grizzlies’ In-Season Tournament opponents from worst to first
The NBA's In-Season Tournament schedule has officially been released. With this, we rank each opponent for the Memphis Grizzlies.