An anonymous member of the Memphis Grizzlies told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that the franchise is thrilled about acquiring Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. The Grizzlies believe Smart is a “perfect” fit for them.
“Marcus Smart is perfect for everything we want to be,” the anonymous member of the Grizzlies said. “We want our players to be tough, versatile, intelligent and to sacrifice for the team. And they have to represent what we want Grizzlies to be and to do right by Memphis. Marcus is going to teach some of our young guys how to win in ways they haven’t quite figured out yet. We couldn’t be happier to have him.”
The Grizzlies traded Tyus Jones to the Washington Wizards in the Smart-Kristaps Porzingis trade with the Celtics. Smart will start in the backcourt for Memphis next season.
One of the best defenders in the NBA, Smart averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists last season while shooting 41.5% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 74.6% from the free-throw line. The former Defensive Player of the Year, along with Derrick Rose, will have to play very well while Ja Morant is out for Memphis to stay competitive in the rugged Western Conference.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Smart & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant will miss the first 25 games of next season. Both Smart and Rose are expected to mentor the superstar point guard, who averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists last season in 61 games. Morant has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games for showing a gun on an IG Live video for a second time. He was suspended for eight games in March last season after the first incident.
Morant will have to adhere to certain conditions before being reinstated and is ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games, during the course of his suspension.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Smart & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Murray State product was due to make around $33.5 million next season. He stands to lose just over $300,000 per game during this suspension, which is approximately $7.5 million.
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