Last summer, the Boston Celtics sent shockwaves throughout the NBA by trading Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal, adding Kristaps Porzingis. Considering Smart has never been an All-Star or All-NBA player, the Celtics trading him was the talk of the town because of how much Smart meant to the organization.
Smart won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and spent nine seasons in Boston, cementing himself as a fan favorite and the “heart and soul” of the organization. So when they traded him to Memphis, it was shocking. And now, the Grizzlies are making a realization that Celtics fans learned over the years.
They now understand the Marcus Smart experience.
Grizzlies understanding Marcus Smart's impact
Since Smart has joined the Grizzlies, he has dealt with a ton of injury issues. More injuries than he ever dealt with in Boston. But when Smart has been on the court in Memphis, the Grizzlies and their fans have learned what the guard is all about.
Memphis has moved Smart to the bench, and his three-point shooting has mirrored his production with the Celtics. So far this season, he’s shooting 33.3% from deep, but his shooting has been very up-and-down.
A 3-of-18 start to the season has been matched with a 7-of-16 stretch in his last four games. And that’s not even including his 7-of-11 showing from deep on November 27.
However, for all the three-point inconsistencies Smart has gone through in Memphis (which Celtics fans got very used to), he’s making the same winning plays Boston grew to know and love.
Smart’s willingness and ability to take on any and all matchups Taylor Jenkins needs him to has been crucial for the Grizzlies, especially in his role off the bench.
He’s constantly diving on the floor, making hustle plays, and contributing to winning in ways that go beyond the box score.
Even with the trade deadline coming up and Smart’s contract being one of the Grizzlies’ best potential assets to improve their roster, it seems like Memphis doesn’t want to let him go. They know what he brings to the team.
That’s what the Celtics grew to love about Smart. He plays winning basketball. He makes winning plays. He goes above and beyond to help lift his team up.
Now, the Grizzlies are finally understanding the cult-like love the Celtics fanbase had (and still has) for Smart. He may not be the electric (or consistent) offensive player people want him to be, but everything else he brings to the table more than makes up for that.