Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart will miss the next six weeks due to a right finger injury diagnosed as a rupture of the proximal interphalangeal joint central slip. The injury occurred during Wednesday night’s 96-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 9. Smart was acquired by the Grizzlies in the offseason after being traded for with the intention of using him alongside All-Star guard Ja Morant.
Smart was a significant factor in the game against Dallas, scoring 23 points before leaving with a dislocated finger. But the bigger issue for the Grizzlies, already set back by losing Morant for the rest of the season and Derrick Rose with a hamstring injury, is his sprained finger.
Memphis’ backcourt will be missing Smart, who has come with a career-best campaign with 14.5 points, 2.1 steals, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Of course, the Grizzlies are not really having the season they had hoped for, especially with this third-worst record in the West Conference at this point. This would be quite an arduous climb to get the No. 10 spot they are eight games from. Maybe his return would coincide with the post-All-Star break period in late February.
Introducing: Marcus Smart joins the Memphis Grizzlies’ grit and grind.
Such was the drama that unfolded as part of this 2023 NBA offseason with All-Defensive stalwart Marcus Smart switching from the Boston Celtics to the Memphis Grizzlies. The aftermath spread shock waves all across the league, with fans questioning the reasons behind it and the future of Smart and Memphis. Let’s dig deeper and break down this trade, its potential impact, and how it might unfurl in the next few months.
A Familiar Face, a New Home: Smart’s Journey to Memphis
Overall, Smart played his whole seven-year professional career with the Celtics after being taken 6th overall from Oklahoma State by the Celtics in 2014. He has become a fan favorite for his passion, his defensive play, and his style of playing caring and sacrificing. He also proved himself as an effective leader on his team, taking Boston to the 2018 NBA Finals and earning the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award. Yet over the course of the past few years, there was often talk of trade rumors regarding Smart, driven by contract negotiations and the need to construct a core.
The trade: Why Memphis traded for Shai Smart and what this adds to the Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, was looking to bolster its backcourt defense and add experienced leadership. They believed Smart was the ideal fit for the team’s “grit and grind” culture and even to mentor some of its young stars in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The trade was greeted with both sadness and happiness by different parties: Celtics fans were upset that Smart was leaving, while Grizzlies faithful rejoiced at his inclusion. Analysts asked whether the slow tempo, methodical game of Smart would therefore play well in the very high-octane offense run by the Grizzlies. Another celebrated it as the perfect complement to the defensive identity.
Impact of Smart on the Grizzlies: A Defensive Upgrade?
Smart’s arrival immediately gives the Grizzlies defense a lot more bite. He is a proven stopper, averaging 1.7 steals a game throughout his career and his leadership qualities will be just invaluable in helping to train the young players up. Offensively, he can help in averaging 12.9 points per game and shooting a career-high 38% from three last year.
However, how Smart will penetrate into the Grizzlies’ offensive system remains up in the air. There is not a do-it-all player like Smart; and if he is projected to play with another guard who is ball-dominant, it might see some changes being made.
New Beginning for Smart: The Opportunity?
For Smart, it is his chance to start fresh. He now has a chance to play much more on offense and even potentially be a starter if Morant misses significant time with injury (which he effectively did for most of the 2023-24 season). Memphis gives him a chance to prove his doubters wrong on both ends of the floor.
Going Forward: Can this Pair Work?
What makes this potential trade successful is a matter of fact. The Grizzlies will need to unlock Smart’s strengths while minimizing his weakness. Smart will need to take up a role that may be different from the role he has played so far and assimilate himself into the new offensive trend of the team. Once both parties can adjust and maximize on each other’s strengths, this partnership turns into a win-win, where it pushes the Grizzlies into serious championship contention while engraving Smart further into the folklore of the league
What is the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Team Known for?
The Memphis Grizzlies are renowned for playing basketball with grit and tenacity, making them the team known as “Grit ‘n’ Grind.” That one phrase defines who the team is-a team that shows up night in and night out with intense focus, toughness, and unshakeable resolve every game. And the organization is appreciated for their dedicated group of fans and deep history in the neighborhood of Memphis.
How is the season going for the memphis grizzlies in the current nba season
Presently, in the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies have 15-25 win-loss standing and keeps them at 4th in the Southwest Division.
Who are the best performers for memphis grizzlies this season
The best performer for the Memphis Grizzlies this season in the NBA is:
- Desmond Bane – leads the team with an average of 34.5 ppg.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: averaged 31.9 ppg, the second highest scorer.
- Jacob Gilyard: contribution through playing point guard with an average scoring of 17.8 ppg and 4.8 assists per game (apg).
- John Konchar: solid performance with a scoring average of 19.4 ppg and 3.8 apg.
Such players have played a role in ensuring that even in the presence of several injuries that had hit core members of the team, Memphis Grizzlies were still holding ground in NBA.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.