Wild statistic serves as great reminder of why Grizzlies need Marcus Smart

A little over a year ago, the Memphis Grizzlies made a bold and daring move to trade for guard, Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics.

An acquisition many initially praised and highlighted as being influenced by the win-now mentality of the franchise, the veteran was seen as a highly seasoned talent who could add to Grind City's already menacing defensive unit and as someone who could provide much-needed wisdom and experience to their very talented, albeit rather green roster.

Fast forward to August 2024, however, and we find that this once lauded experiment is now in somewhat of a "wait and see" stage thanks, in large, to the club's overall disastrous 2023-24 campaign that saw them win a mere 27 total games and endure a record-setting number of different lineups due to the slew of injuries to players both within their core and at the end of the bench.

Smart was one of said individuals who received chomps from the injury bug and, as a result, was limited to just 20 games played, the lowest total of his decade-long career.

Of course, many have been quick to point to his inefficiencies (particularly on offense) even when active on the hardwood what with his career-worst average of 3.1 turnovers per game and worst box plus-minus rating of -2.4.

Because of these struggles, some have gone as far as to suggest the Grizzlies should look to cut their losses on the Smart experiment and send him outbound via trade for perhaps another brand of player who is believed to be capable of aiding toward winning ways.

However, a recently surfaced statistic should serve as a great reminder of what Smart provides to this Grizzlies team, and why they brought him aboard in the first place.

Recent stat serves as great reminder why Grizzlies added Marcus smart

Per the findings of StatMuse, Marcus Smart is one of only four active players never selected to an All-Star game who have accumulated 1,000 or more points throughout their postseason careers.

Now, before any smart alecks try to swoop in and make the argument that his point totals are more a result of longevity and ample postseason experience while playing for the always-competitive Celtics, that's half the reason why this metric is so notable.

On its own, his 1,377 mark is eye-catching considering it ranks as the 29-most among active players. However, what this is a reminder of is the fact that he's no stranger to being a part of highly successful ball clubs and seeing action under the bright lights of the NBA Playoffs.

In other words, it strengthens one of the primary reasons why Zach Kleiman and company brought him aboard in the first place.

Though this main Grizzlies core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane have seen three playoff runs throughout their four-year tenure together, just once have they managed to make it past the first round.

Smart, on the other hand, has taken part in playoff action in nine of his ten seasons in the association, with six of those occasions seeing deep runs and one back during the 2022 season extending all the way to the NBA Finals.

Of course, it's important to understand that he wasn't merely along for the ride during these excursions, as reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown credited the guard for his leadership throughout his tenure, and even acknowledged that, without him, he may not have been able to step up in the way he needed to win a title.

The guidance, defensive chops, and, as shown with his career 1,377 points, offensive capabilities he has proven capable of providing for legitimate playoff threats over the years is exactly why the Grizzlies brought Smart to Grind City in the first place.

Give him a fully intact supporting cast where he can grow chemistry and familiarity -- something he did not get last season with coach Taylor Jenkins' ever-changing lineups --, and there's little reason to doubt that his expertise won't prove to be highly valuable for this hungry Memphis squad in 2024-2.