Through 16 games played, 2023-24 has faired far differently than initial preseason expectations for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Amid a four-game losing streak and tied for the second-worst mark in the entire association at 3-13, Taylor Jenkins' squad certainly does not resemble the ones that have finished the last two seasons off with 50+ wins and the second-seed in the Western Conference standings and, in many ways, their on-court efforts have been quite embarrassing.
At least, that's what guard Marcus Smart seemed to be telling his teammates on the sidelines during their most recent loss to the Timberwolves, as Minnesota's play-by-play commentator Alan Horton posted a video to his personal X account (previously Twitter) of the veteran reaming out the club mid-way through the fourth period while down 20-points.
Marcus Smart seen yelling at Grizzlies during loss to Timberwolves
During last timeout Marcus Smart screaming at his teammates “it’s embarrassing, it’s embarrassing” among other things. pic.twitter.com/fiKziJYOmG
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) November 27, 2023
For the Grizzlies, this outing against Minnesota marked their third-straight blowout loss, as they were dropped by a final score of 119-97 and never found themselves holding a lead throughout 48 minutes of action.
Unfortunately, they've been playing without the services of their defensive stalwart and primary eligible point guard in Smart for the better part of the past five contests, as he's been sidelined due to a left foot sprain and is expected to be out for a total of three to five weeks.
However, even with his on-court absence, this viral clip shows that the 29-year-old is still looking to be an active participant and vocal leader from the sidelines.
Being a member of a roster boasting a record 10 games under .500 is rather foreign for Smart, as he spent his first nine seasons in the association serving as a member of the Boston Celtics who, throughout his tenure, was consistently recognized as a powerhouse team in the league and embarked on a plethora of deep playoff runs that included five Conference Finals appearances and, in 2016, a trip to the NBA Finals.
This video of Smart shows a stark contrast to what his emotions were upon his arrival to the franchise and shares in the bitterness and frustrations that the fanbase has been feeling throughout these infancy stages of the year.