Hampered by an abdominal injury, Marcus Smart has still not inaugurated its new jersey, but in Memphis, it is unanimous. Formerly the best defender in the NBA, Smart will combine two essential roles: acting as interim leader during Ja Morant’s suspension; maintain, or even increase, the defensive level of the Grizzlies. He thinks that it is the Grizzlies who will allow him to reach the next level.
“As a defender, you come to a team that thinks like you and has elements like Jaren who understand the importance of defense, and that’s what takes you to the next level” eexplains the former Celtics leader.
“Let’s let the others talk, and we’ll see at the end of the year, and in a few months, if they’re still talking…”
But for his coach, Taylor Jenkins, Smart has a quality that none of his players possess: experience. NBA finalist in 2022, he is used to big fights in the playoffs, and that is perhaps what was missing from the Grizzlies, whose immaturity was blatant against the Lakers. “Marcus has experience at the highest level, with numerous conference finals, selections to the All-Defensive teams and an NBA Finals. None of our players have been there, so we have to learn from him. »
Exactly how can Smart help Jaren Jackson Jr reach a milestone? “By helping him avoid mistakes” he replies. “That’s what happens when you’re a defender, but you have to be able to handle it. »
Second in the Western Conference last season, the Grizzlies have the squad to do just as well, but their lack of maturity has always played tricks on them. It’s up to Smart to silence the critics. “I remain the same. With the same wingspan, the same height, and the same length of hair… Let’s let the others talk, and we’ll see at the end of the year, and in a few months, if they’re still talking…”
