Does Marcus Smart’s arrival in Memphis look like a marriage of convenience, or even love? It is quite possible since the style of the former Boston player fits perfectly with the philosophy of the Grizzlies.
The defender of the year 2022, who said goodbye to the Celtics, confirmed it for his first press conference since his transfer.
“I can’t wait to start this new adventure in my life and career and what better way to do it than being in a city that suits me perfectly? », he declares for ESPN. “Grind City. I am like this. »
The “Grit & Grind” is the trademark of the great Grizzlies, in the early 2010s with Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Marc Gasol.
Either a physically strong team, which relies on its defense and on a combatant’s state of mind. Qualities that we have found in recent years with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillons Brooks.
Ready to push Ja Morant
Inevitably, a player like Marcus Smart will easily fit into this mold, believes the GM of the franchise.
“We were looking for a strong defender, who can play in several positions, as well as a player who can make the game, and who has proven himself at the highest level of the league”, Zach Kleiman list. “We found and there are not many like that. Smart is one of the best, he’s a winner, he ticks all the boxes. »
Taylor Jenkins is also already convinced by his rookie. “I was very excited,” explains the coach. “We have a very competitive group that needs a little more to take a step forward. This is what Smart will bring us. »
His association and his relationship with Ja Morant, suspended for 25 games at the start of the season, will obviously be scrutinized. “Ja is a really special and important player for this team,” assures the ex-Celtic. “We’re going to need him. I love pushing players to their limits, especially those who are great players. »
“I will have to earn the trust of the guys”, he announces, in the form of a conclusion. “When I was in Boston, I was the oldest player on the team, I had grown up with the players. There, I am a new, even if I have experience. But for competitors, I’m a newcomer and the guys aren’t going to give me anything. I will have to deserve it all. That’s what I intend to do. »
| Marcus Smart | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2014-15 | BOS | 67 | 27 | 36.7 | 33.5 | 64.6 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 7.8 |
| 2015-16 | BOS | 61 | 27 | 34.8 | 25.3 | 77.7 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 9.2 |
| 2016-17 | BOS | 79 | 30 | 35.9 | 28.3 | 81.2 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 10.6 |
| 2017-18 | BOS | 54 | 30 | 36.7 | 30.1 | 72.9 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 10.2 |
| 2018-19 | BOS | 80 | 28 | 42.2 | 36.4 | 80.6 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 8.9 |
| 2019-20 | BOS | 60 | 32 | 37.5 | 34.7 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 2.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 12.9 |
| 2020-21 | BOS | 48 | 33 | 39.8 | 33.0 | 79.0 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 5.7 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 13.1 |
| 2021-22 | BOS | 71 | 32 | 41.8 | 33.1 | 79.3 | 0.6 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 5.9 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 12.1 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 61 | 32 | 41.5 | 33.6 | 74.6 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 11.5 |
| Total | 581 | 30 | 38.6 | 32.3 | 77.7 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 10.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
