3 untouchable Memphis Grizzlies not named Ja Morant

Ja Morant may already be the biggest name this Memphis Grizzlies organization has ever seen don their blue and gold threads, but he is by no means the only player currently viewed as a legitimate foundational building block as they look to the future.

Surrounding him on the roster are a slew of quality talents that range from green youths to experienced vets, all of whom have one goal in mind: claiming the franchise’s first-ever championship banner into the rafters at FedExForum.

Of course, of the cast of ballers surrounding the superstar guard, there seems to be a clear grouping of individuals who should be seen as locks to remain in Grind City for the long haul (baring any unforeseen changes, of course).

With this in mind, here are three players outside of Morant that the Grizzlies must consider untouchable:

Players not named Ja Morant the Grizzlies should view as untouchable

3. Marcus Smart

Though he may have only just arrived in Memphis this summer via a multi-team blockbuster involving the Celtics, Marcus Smart seemingly embodies everything this organization stands for: Grit, Grind, and otherworldly passion.

Regarded as the “heart and soul” of Boston basketball throughout his near-decade-long tenure in Beantown, the 29-year-old endeared himself to his former employer’s fanbase with his high-end energy and defensive tenacity on a nightly basis.

Such qualities are already proven to be adored by the Grizzlies’ faithful followers, for guys like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and, perhaps the best comparison in this case, Tony Allen managed to establish themselves as all-time legends as a result of such attributes.

Already, players across the association are viewing Smart’s addition to the team as “scary” for opposing clubs to have to deal with, and Zach Kleiman and company will almost certainly wish to have his services in tow for the foreseeable future.