The Grizzlies are catching smoke from every direction these days as they struggle to gain a footing in a season that gets worse by the game. The team has lost seven of its last eight games to fall to 4-9, after a 3-2 start. Now, two of their former players have spoken out about their exit from the organization as they are finding success in their new homes.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart spoke with ClutchPoints to give insight on his exit from the team, which occurred at the 2025 NBA trade deadline. When describing his exit, he mentioned that he got traded because "they" said he didn't want to be there. He also mentioned that he could see signs of an organization in flux with how they were handling things while he was a part of the team.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had a memorable exit from the Grizzlies, following a 24-77 shooting performance in the first round of the playoffs against the Lakers in 2023. Following a 32-point game in a win over the Pacers, Brooks was asked about the last time he wasn't confident on the basketball court. His answer referred back to that exact series against the Lakers, noting that Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman told him to take only six shots per game.
What to take away from those comments
It's easy to pile on a team when everything is going wrong, especially when things didn't end well in the past. Dillon Brooks was a notorious shot-chucker for the Grizzlies who didn't shoot particularly well during his time with the team (41.6% shooter in Memphis). However, if what he said was true, then it explains why he and the team were destined for a breakup following his final playoff series with the team.
Marcus Smart didn't specify who said he didn't want to be in Memphis, so it is tough to gauge exactly what he meant by his statement. He did mention that he wishes nothing but the best for the team and hopes they can get it together. Some in the fanbase felt he wasn't mentally locked in, but he showed a care factor, interacting with the guys on the bench when he missed time with injuries.
Early turmoil between Ja Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo has headlined the Grizzlies' season so far, as their stretch of seven losses in eight games began the night their clash became public. Ironically, that night was against former players Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, and after playing against Dillon Brooks' Phoenix Suns (he was out with an injury).
Their comments are just adding fuel to the fire that hasn't gone out. The only way the Grizzlies can quiet the noise surrounding the organization is by winning on the court.