Marcus Smart makes Memphis so much more

The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly parted ways with Tyus Jones and two first round picks, including the #25 pick that was supposed to belong to Memphis in the 2023 NBA Draft, to have the ability to acquire Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics.

That sounds like a lot – because it is. Tyus Jones has been a wonderful piece of the Grizzlies rebuilding and will be missed/appreciated in Memphis. Those first round picks, especially the 2024 Golden State Warriors 1st (1-4 protected), were assets literally years in the making. To part with that for a diminutive combo guard with a knack for missing threes and turning over the ball may lead to a feeling of…dissatisfaction…for some.

But those in that spot can rest assured that while the Grizzlies did indeed pay a price to acquire Smart, the cost is worth the return.

Because the ceiling for the Memphis Grizzlies organization – not just the team, but the entire franchise – just went up.

The on the court product of course matters – and his lower three point percentage (33-34% the last three seasons), while a bit better than Dillon Brooks’ roughly 32% over the same time period, is not inspiring. He also is not a true point guard, which he technically will be asked to be once the season (and Ja Morant’s suspension officially) begins. He is a 6’4″ combo guard in the truest sense of the words – ideally a secondary facilitator, ideally bigger for that role, and ideally more of an offensive weapon.

But again, despite those flaws, the ceiling for Memphis just went up.

Not just the Memphis players. But the way the team is perceived. Smart’s arrival signals the beginning of the next chapter of this era of Grizzlies basketball.

He replaces not just the “backup” point guard that was Tyus Jones, but also Dillon Brooks as an elite perimeter defender. With a 6’9″ wingspan and a physical and mental presence uncommon in the modern NBA, he wills himself to being more of a force than his frame suggests he should be.

Physically Smart can take on the load. He finishes well at the rim, and posted a career high in assists. He took on a bigger target defensively and didn’t regress as much as he bore more of the burden for Boston as the starter at the point. So much of what makes Marcus Smart great is beyond what he physically is supposed to be capable of. He is what he is because of who he is – not because of what he has been given.

And that mentality, perhaps even more than his ability as a basketball player, will make these Grizzlies better.

Yes, a true wing would’ve been more ideal positionally. And yes, a theoretical Ja Morant/Desmond Bane/Marcus Smart starting perimeter group is very short. But rarely does the perfect trade come about, and in the absence of getting that final piece that fits just right you need to get the piece that can make the space fit.

Through sheer force of will, that piece can very easily be Marcus Smart.

He is a man of intense effort on the court and remarkable generosity off of it. He gives of his time and treasure regularly to those less fortunate than him, and those that have shared some similar suffering to that in his own life. Google search “Marcus Smart charity” and you’ll see his remarkable work with cancer patients and inner city youth. He was nominated for the 2022-23 Bob Lanier Community Assist Award. He has empathy, and helped cultivate a competitive but caring culture for the Celtics.

He’s not perfect – blow-ups in the locker room with Jaylen Brown and on the floor with Trae Young have happened showing his temper at times getting the best of him. But that servant form of leadership, while already showing glimmers in the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, permeating throughout the entire Grizzlies roster would benefit these young players.

Especially Ja Morant.

Ja Morant will make much more money than Marcus Smart, and be a much bigger star. But there are few, if any, better role models for Morant once he returns to the Grizzlies than Smart. Smart is a model professional athlete in the community and audaciously aggressive as a player. He talks, and attacks, and competes while walking the line of clean and dirty. He’s Dillon Brooks without the gratuitous public tugging at the cape of Superman.

He is what Morant can be – if he is willing to be. And with Ja’s superior skill, it could lead to a fuller realization of not just Ja the player, but Ja the person.

The Memphis Grizzlies have made the decision that now is the time to get serious about being a championship contender. It’s now that these young Grizzlies must grow up. The man known as Marcus Smart is about to come around, and he will suffer no fools. You step up, or step aside. Run with it, or run from it.

He’s not a superstar. He’s not an All-Star. But he is the quintessential competitor. If you entered a fight or fox hole, looking for a teammate to fight by your side, Marcus Smart’s name would be near the top of your list. And despite his flaws as a player, his potential presence the next three years in Memphis will make the young Memphis Grizzlies NBA men.

And perhaps more important, if they pay attention, better people.