Ex-Mavs guard on Grizzlies $76M offseason decision: ‘Sh*t is going to be scary’
By Mark Nilon
Following their underwhelming first-round exit during the 2023 postseason, the Memphis Grizzlies opted to make some necessary adjustments to their roster in an effort to better position themselves for a title run this coming campaign.
To both fans and media pundits alike, it appears as though such an outcome is viewed as rather plausible.
Though there were plenty of key decisions made by GM Zach Kleiman this summer, easily the most notable was his acquisition of veteran guard Marcus Smart via blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics.
The 29-year-old’s arrival in Grind City has brought a serious amount of excitement when it pertains to what he can provide both from an on-court and mentorship perspective and, during a recent episode of “Run Your Race,” former Dallas Mavericks guard and podcast host Theo Pinson went as far as to state that the guard’s addition to the Grizzlies “is going to be scary.”
Theo Pinson praises Memphis Grizzlies’ addition of Marcus Smart
"“A sleeper is really Marcus Smart going to Memphis. Marcus Smart going the Memphis…that sh*t is going to be scary,” Pinson said. “That’s a great replacement for Dillon Brooks. It is for sure an upgrade because you got a guy who is a proven [Defensive Player of the Year], he is a dog, can shoot it, make plays, and can hold down the fort till Ja gets back.”"
Smart is coming into his first season with the Grizzlies attached to quite a lofty pedigree, as he is widely regarded as one of the top defensive backcourt talents the association has to offer and has ample experience serving as a primary one-guard for championship-hopeful squads.
A three-time All-Defensive selectee and, as Pinson mentioned, a former Defensive Player of the Year award recipient, the veteran is coming off a solid 2022-23 season with the Celtics where he boasted averages of 11.5 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
Not only is his arrival viewed as a quality way for head coach Taylor Jenkins to replace Morant in the starting five while he serves out his impending 25-game suspension at the start of the season, but it also provides the team with yet another defensive stalwart to pair with reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. and, arguably most important, a much-needed veteran presence for this highly talented yet youthful Grizzlies roster.
