Tag: Marcus Smart

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Rally in the Valley against the Suns

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a shot during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 7, 2024. (Photo by: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies were down 11 points going into the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns, 97-86.

Memphis rallied in the final period to outscore the Suns 35-18 to secure the victory, 121-115. The Grizzlies are now 2-0 on the three-game road trip.

Phoenix is ranked 30th in 4th quarter scoring while the Grizzlies are ranked 18th in the association. The 4th quarter has been Memphis’ best period all season long.

According to NBA.com, the Grizzlies have the second best defensive rating in the 4th quarter. They are first in opponent point per game allowed in the final period, second in point differential, and have one of the best net rating in the 4th quarter.

The second quarter has been a problem for the Grizzlies most of the season. However, in two straight games, Memphis has won the second quarter. A thing to look at, and it may be a key to winning more games going forward.

The Grizzlies are now 10-10 on the road and an abysmal 3-13 at home.

Memphis was without Ja Morant, who sat out due to shoulder soreness. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said soreness crept up on the road and that further evaluations are needed. He said that they will know more in a day or two.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 28 points, ten rebounds, six assists with a team-high +/- 25.

Kevin Durant gave praise to Jackson Jr. after the game: “He can shoot it, he can go left well, he’s got good floaters, strong. Just think he’s extending his game and it’s making it tough for people to guard him out there one-on-one, especially big players. He’s shooting the three well, you got to give him credit for expanding his game.”

“The first half looked pretty good but obviously we let it get away from us a little bit,” said Jackson Jr. “Momentum stayed on point going into the half and again that third quarter, they were just able to get separation. We never really found ourselves in solid footing on the offensive end. We got a lot of great shots, got to those places we wanted to be at, got downhill, we got to the rim, we got really good open shots, we got stops in transitions, but we just couldn’t convert the way we wanted too.”

Marcus Smart finished with 25 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals. “It is the formula [for] winning without him,” Smart said on playing without Morant. “It is the formula for winning with him. Ja is such a great player and he inspires a lot of guys to go out there to play. When he is out, that just means there are opportunities for other guys.”

Smart continued, “Big shoutout to Vince Williams [Jr.]. Big night for him. He has been going under the radar. He has been doing that for this organization, for us, and his teammates for a very long time. We appreciate it. Ziaire Williams coming off of the bench. He has been asked to play different roles and he is just excelling. Being able to just play and not worry about it has really helped us.”

The 10-year guard/forward has improved on three-point shooting after his hand injury.“It is healing,” he said. “I am starting to get into a rhythm. Guys do a good job of finding me and trusting me to take those shots. For me, sometimes I don’t want to take them, but they are screaming at me to do so. I just have to continue to believe in myself and continue to make those shots.”

Desmond Bane added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists while reserve Williams Jr. finished with a career-high 19 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.

The Grizzlies look to prolong their win streak against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, January 9th, inside American Airline Center at 7:30 p.m.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Dominate Lakers With Record Three-Point Shooting Display

Desmond Bane takes the ball to the basket against Anthony Davis.
Desmond Bane takes the ball to the basket against Anthony Davis. Credit: NBAE/Getty Images

With a final score of 127-113, the Grizzlies handed the Lakers their fourth consecutive loss. But more than that, they did it under the power of historic three-point shooting with a franchise record 23 made threes on the road, also the most three-pointers allowed by the Lakers this season.

It was a wild Friday night in the National Basketball Association. Those of us who stayed up late to watch the Grizzlies take on the Lakers in Los Angeles were rewarded with some of the best basketball Memphis has played this season.

Not even a 32-point performance from LeBron James and a 31-point one from Anthony Davis could stop the Grizzlies.

There was something for everyone in this win, including big performances from Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Ziaire Williams.

And an All-NBA-worthy defensive move from head coach Taylor Jenkins that rightfully earned him a technical foul, because coaches cannot enter the court during gameplay.

Let’s break that moment down and what led up to it.

You can watch the video for yourself here:

Marcus Smart directed a pass to Jaren Jackson Jr., who briefly had possession of the ball but could not keep a hold of it. That led to a tie-up with LeBron James during which James elbowed Jackson in the chin (seemingly unseen by the referees) followed by an irate Taylor Jenkins stepping onto the court and in the path of Taurean Prince, protesting the lack of a call. Jenkins had to be physically restrained by one of his assistant coaches.

To keep it a buck, three fouls could have been called in that exchange: James committing a loose ball foul when forcing Jackson to the ground, Jackson committing a common foul when hooking James’ arm, and a flagrant 1 for James elbowing Jackson in the face in retaliation.

But since there was no review of the play, the only foul assessed for the whole mess was the technical Jenkins earned.

The messiness of that whole situation should not detract from the Grizzlies’ play and the exceptional shooting that propelled them to a resounding victory over the Lakers.

Heading into last night’s game, Marcus Smart had the lowest three-point shooting percentage of any player attempting five or more threes a game this season.

Apparently, he took that personally.

Marcus Smart finished the night with a season-high 29 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and one steal on 8 of 14 three-point shooting. Smart put up 19 of his 29 points in the first half while shooting 5 of 8 from three-point range.

His teammates had a pretty good night as well.

Jaren Jackson Jr put up a team-high 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, including 5 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane closed out with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and a career-high 13 assists, also while shooting 5 of 8 from long range.

Ja Morant added 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Bismack Biyombo finished with 6 points and 10 rebounds on a perfect 3 of 3 field goal shooting.

From the second unit, Ziaire Williams added 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

All in all, it was a soothing balm to ease the sting of a nasty loss to the Toronto Raptors two days prior.

Whether this success can be replicated remains to be seen.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies will continue their three-game road trip, heading to Phoenix on Sunday to face off against the Suns. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Can the Grizzlies Save the Season?

Marcus Smart goes up for a rebound against the LA Clippers on December 29, 2023 (Photo credit: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

For the Memphis Grizzlies, winning this season hasn’t come easily. The team’s decline can be attributed to a wide range of circumstances. 

Following Ja Morant’s 25-game absence, Memphis went 4-0. However, with their 117-106 home loss to the Clippers, they dropped two consecutive games. 

The Grizzlies are now 10-21 on the season with 51 games left to play. Can the Beale Street Bullies save the season? That question lies within the team. 

Injuries to key players has been one factor that caused the team’s fall from grace. Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose are scheduled to be back in the next few games or so. Maybe it will be a difference maker. 

After the Clippers game, Marcus Smart said the approach moving forward is “one game at a time.”

He went on to say, “Control what you can control. You [are] looking ahead, that’s not going to do anything for you. We don’t have that luxury. We got to look at it like one day at a time and we got to be in the present and that’s the only way we’re going to fix it. At least give ourselves a chance anyway. It’s not going to be perfect but that’s the beauty of this game. Crazy things happen.”

Smart finished the game with 22 points, three steals, and two assists. 

Right now, that’s the one thing the squad has to depend on. Get at it game by game. 

“We’ve been doing that for a long time — building that everyday,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. on the team’s leadership and confidence. “We’ve been playing with each other for a long time. It takes everybody to lead. Everybody has a different role. We are learning more and more every game.”

Jackson Jr. ended with 22 points, four assists, two steals and two blocks. 

With Morant healthy there will always be a chance for the team to win games. 

“Yeah, I mean it’s a different ball game. when I’m out there,” said Morant after the game. “Teams gotta scout different and have defensive schemes when I’m on the floor which allow a lot of pressure to get off the rest of the guys on the team — allow them to be themselves.

“A little more comfort in my job as I go out there and make it easier for them. Find them easier looks, that’s just my role on this team.”

Morant sat out the night earlier against the Nuggets due to an illness and was still not feeling his best against the Clippers. But he still found ways to contribute, recording his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 assists in 37 minutes of play.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will embark on a three-game homestand beginning Sunday, December 31, against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. CT. Memphis looks to improve on its 2-11 record inside of FedExForum. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Like Deja Vu: Grizzlies Stun Pelicans, Again

Ja Morant dribbles down the court in the games as the Memphis took on the New Orleans Pelicans on December 26, 2023 at Smoothie King Center (Photo by Derick Hingle/NBAE via Getty Images)

With the ball in Ja Morant’s hands and seconds remaining for the game-winning basket after trailing by double digits, the Memphis Grizzlies faced the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, December 26, making it like a familiar situation from only seven days before.

Only this time, it took several reviews and overtime for the Grizzlies to walk out of New Orleans with a 116-115 win that stunned Pelicans fans again. 

With the return of its superstar, Memphis has won four games in a row, including a pair of victories against the Pelicans. This season, the Grizzlies lead the matchup against New Orleans, 2-1.  

Morant finished with a game-high 31 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Prior to the game, the NBA named the 24-year-old the Western Conference Player of the Week, who guided the Grizzlies to a 3-0 record averaging 28 points, 9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. 

“Obviously excited to be back,” Morant said after the game. “But being able to come back and win four games now and continue to take this momentum to the next game, and the next day, is big time for us.”

Desmond Bane continues to make his case for being selected to his first NBA All-Star appearance. Bane made his presence felt early for the Grizzlies with 17 first half points. He finished with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded his second double-double of the year with 19 points and 10 boards. And he made NBA history in the process. 

Marcus Smart returned to the Grizzlies lineup after missing the past 17 games due to a left foot sprain. Smart was a big reason Memphis erased a 15-point second deficit to secure the victory.

Smart ended with 13 points, a season-high five steals, and three assists. 

In the walk-off with Grizzlies sideline reporter Rob Fischer, Smart mentioned the team’s never-give-up attitude. 

The tandem of Xavier Tillman Sr. and Vince Williams Jr. was a wrecking crew against New Orleans. The pair combined for 16 rebounds and eight blocked shots. Tillman Sr. had a career-high five blocks while Williams Jr. tied his career high with three blocks. 

Up Next 

Memphis heads to Denver to take on the Nuggets, Dec 28, at 8 p.m. inside Ball Arena. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Disappointing Home Loss for the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks squared off at the FedExForum on Monday, December 11, 2023 (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins’ answers were short when he spoke to the media after the team’s 120-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum. 

The Grizzlies went from having the best home record in the association last season, 35-6, to having one of the worst, 1-10, this season. 

Jenkins was visibly frustrated with the team’s effort and energy. He said, “It’s pretty high. I mean, we’ve got to come out and create our own energy and we can’t have teams coming in here, regardless of what our roster is or whose playing and all that stuff. You’ve got to protect home court. We’ve got to come out with a better edge. We’ve found it on the road in the recent stretch. I can’t put my finger on it, but we’ve just got to play better. Our fans deserve better. We’ve got to come out here and play with more energy.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. had one of his best offensive games of the season, finishing in the paint and from beyond the arc. He led Memphis with a season-high 41 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Over the last four games Jackson Jr. has been consistent on the offensive end, averaging 30.8 points while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 52 percent from the 3-point line. 

Desmond Bane continued to put the team on his back with a 28 points and eight assists performance. He said the team just has to be better when the opportunity arises. 

The Dallas bench outscored the Grizzlies bench 42-23. Vince Williams Jr. was the lone Memphis reserve in double digits, getting a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. 

He also had words with the Dallas Mavericks All-NBA forward, Luka Doncic. “He was just talking shit the whole time,” Doncic said about his back-and-forth with Williams Jr. “I told him – I wish I could play him one-on-one. That’s when I got a tech. So, I don’t know. The refs have to just let us talk, you know. It’s a part of the game. I love it. I think he’s a great defender …. This game, we were both talking, and only I got the tech, so I don’t know.”

Williams Jr. descibed it as friendly competition with Doncic. When asked how he feels about guarding players like Doncic, he responded: “I feel like I have been doing a good job since the Boston game guarding the stars; so I’ve been prepared.” Doncic went 2-of-9 from the field when Williams Jr. was his primary defender. 

The two-way wing has the trust of his teammates and the seal of approval from Bane. 

“He’s a dog. He competes each and every night on the defensive end,” said Bane of  Williams, Jr. “He’s selfless and he’s out there to make the right play. If he’s open, he’s gonna shoot it. If he’s not, he’s gonna drive it or pass it to the open teammate.”

“Those are the type of guys that that win basketball games,” Bane continued. “I think you see it every time he steps out there, that he has an impact on winning. It’s not always with scoring or flashy plays, but he’s gonna make the open shot and he’s gonna dive on the floor to get the loose balls. He’s the type of guy I want on my team for sure.”

Reinforcements are Near

Ja Morant’s return can’t come soon enough for the Grizzlies. He has only three games left in his 25-game league suspension. Plus, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart are close to returning from injury.

Jackson Jr. was reminded of how the Grizzlies had a comeback from a 6-16 start in Morant’s rookie year. He said, “Regardless of the trend of last year, whatever happens, you just think about the next games and how you can be effective and how you can turn around, and I believe we’re going to do that. I mean you never make excuses for what’s going on.”

Jackson Jr.. continued, “Everyone’s learning each other still. Everyone’s syncing up and when we sync up, we look good. Like when we’re all clicking, and we know what’s going on we look good and then we have reinforcements on the way. So, it’s good.”  

For the organization’s and fans’ sake, let’s hope that the reinforcements make a difference.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies have a two-game away and home series with former teammate Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies travel to Houston on Wednesday and return home on Friday for the second match-up. 

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Tough Loss but Progress for the Grizzlies

Nikola Jokic and Jaren Jackson, Jr. in position for tip-off on Friday, October 27, 2023 inside FedExForum (photo by: Sharon Brown)

For the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday night was full of high points despite losing to the Denver Nuggets (108–104).  Memphis displayed vast improvements in shooting and rebounding from their season-opening loss to the Pelicans. The Grizzlies edged Denver in rebounding 48-39. 

After being held to just two fast-break points in the season opener against New Orleans, the Grizzlies scored 22 against Denver.  And Memphis’ aggressive defense on reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic resulted in nine turnovers for the Nuggets. Jokic finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. 

The Grizzlies, fueled by Jaren Jackson, Jr. used a collective effort to stay within striking distance. After a disappointing performance in the season opener, Jackson had a bounce-back game, leading the Grizzlies with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has eight blocks in two games, tying him for the league lead with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns at 4.0 per game.

“They’re great – great new voices, great leaders,” Jackson on having Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose as teammates. “They have a lot of experience, a lot of things to teach us. They’re here to win and to play hard every night. It’s great to have them around and in the locker room. They’re talented as hell.”

Marcus Smart and Xavier Tillman on Friday, October 27, 2023 against the Denver Nuggets (photo by Sharon Brown)

Smart also gave the Grizzlies a spark. He chipped in 20 points, five assists, and a team-high five steals.  “It’s a challenge, but it’s a great one,” Smart said about adjusting to his new teammates. “It’s different from Boston. You got guys that do different things. It’s just been fun for me to try to figure out everybody’s tendencies, where they like the ball, things that they like to do and that they do very well.”

Rose gave the Grizzlies a much needed boost off the bench, adding 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. He was crucial in a 4th period that saw the Grizzlies have multiple chances to win the game.

After the game he said, “It’s a learning experience — I haven’t played in a year. When I was in New York basically I was a vet trying to be vocal but coming here they’re getting me the opportunity to play and I’m grateful for that.”

Rose continued, as he addressed the media in front of his locker, “I’m just trying to find my groove and trying not to shoot that many shots and get a feel for the game. I understand I have great offensive weapons with me so there’s no need for it. I’m just trying to do anything to win. Thank God I came to a winning team.”

Xavier Tillman, Sr. continued with his solid play as the starting center while Steven Adams is sidelined for the season. Tillman finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. 

“Personally, my goal is to win games, so that’s all I’m worried about,” Tillman said after the loss. “As far as my individual play, my confidence, it comes from my teammates. When we’re out there they’re like, ‘Yo, we believe in you.’ And each and every game, I’ve tried to truly, truly hone in on that, truly hone in on the work that I put in and the trust factor my teammates and the coaches have in me, and just let it ride.”

Memphis is now 0-2 on the new season but taking the defending champs to the distance is something they can build upon. The Grizzlies will have a chance to show that progress tonight as they will face former grizzly Tyus Jones and the Washington Wizards at Capitol One Arena at 6 p.m. CT. 

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‘Chemistry is Everything’

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

The Memphis Grizzlies opened their season with a 111-104 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, primarily due to being beaten on the boards and a poor shooting performance.

Season openers have traditionally been like kryptonite for the Beale Street bullies — and rebounding is their Achilles heel right now. The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant (league suspension), Steven Adams (season-ending knee surgery), Brandon Clarke (Achilles tendon repair), and Santi Aldama (ankle sprain). 

It wasn’t all bad. Opening night saw the return of favorite sons, Tony Allen and Zach Randolph. Accompanied by The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Allen and Randolph introduced the starting lineup for the young cubs. 

Newly signed Derrick Rose, who played college ball at the University of Memphis, also made his return to the Grindhouse with the loudest pop of the night. 

Rose contributed eight points and three assists in 15 minutes as a reserve. 

It was a frustrating night. Every time an attack was mounted by the Grizzlies, the Pelicans countered. It could to be a long season without Adams on the boards. 

Three-point shooting hurt the Grizzlies (27.9%) while it was solid for New Orleans (43.8%). 

After the game, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said, “Obviously, we’re going to feel out our lineups and stuff, but I’m very confident this group can get going once we get our chemistry up and running”

Desmond Bane had an All-star performance, leading the way with 31 points, five rebounds, and five assists. “Chemistry is everything and building that takes time,” said the TCU alum on the different rotations.

Xavier Tillman, Sr. held his own against the Pelicans front line. He secured his first double double of the season with 17 points, 12 rebounds, plus four assists, and three steals.

Newcomer Marcus Smart added 17 points, three assists, and two steals. After the loss, Smart said, “It definitely wasn’t the result we wanted, but I’ve never seen a championship won in the first game. We have 81 games left.”

Smart also chimed in about building chemistry: “For us and for me personally, it’s important to continue to find these guys and continue to build confidence in my guys. We had a lot of shots there that just didn’t go in for us, both in the paint and outside the paint. And for me, we have a bunch of young guys who continue working, and every day I’m in the gym and seeing them work, I have to continue to find them and give them the confidence that they need to keep going because we’re going to need everybody.”

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson, Jr., had a poor shooting night, going 2 of 9 from the field, but made up for it with dogged defense. blocking five shots, and doing the little things down low defensively; fighting for position against Jonas Valanciunas and Zion Williamson is a tall task. Jackson finished with eight points and five rebounds.

Except for David Roddy (9 points) and Rose, the bench hardly contributed. There are still things to figure out with new teammates and new lineups this season. As Smart said, no championship is won in the first game. 

Up Next:

The reigning NBA Champions, Denver Nuggets come to town Friday night, with an early 6 pm tip-off at FedExForum. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Notes From Memphis Grizzlies Media Day 2023

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

It’s about that time again – time for Memphis Grizzlies basketball.  

The Grizzlies held their preseason media day today, with general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins available to answer questions.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

There was also a brief media availability for each player, with the notable exception of Ja Morant.

Morant’s absence loomed large and unfortunately, that will be the case going forward. He will be serving a league-issued suspension for the first 25 games of the season.  

This means the focus, for the time being, will be on building chemistry without their star point guard.

The front office swung for the fences during the offseason, acquiring Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics as well as signing league veteran and former Memphis Tigers basketball star Derrick Rose to a two-year contract. 

All signs are pointing to another exciting season from your Memphis Grizzlies.

Derrick Rose (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)
Steven Adams (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Here are a few things that Grizzlies fans can look forward to in the upcoming season:  

Per general manager Zach Kleiman, Ja Morant will be allowed to practice and travel with the team during his suspension. However, he will not be allowed to sit on the bench during that time.  

Forward Ziaire Williams feels confident heading into his third season. “No one has worked harder than me this summer,” said Williams. “I’m ready, you’ll see.” Williams struggled last season after missing extended time with right knee pain, attributed to patellar tendinitis.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Jaren Jackson Jr. is committed to being a better rebounder this season. “It’s on my mind,” he said. “I’m coming into my size and body, so it’s no excuses.” Jackson is the reigning defensive player of the year for good reason, but he acknowledges the need to improve in this area.  

Marcus Smart (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Marcus Smart is already locked in, and among other things, said he’s “looking forward to helping keep Jaren out of foul trouble.”  

What a coincidence – I am also looking forward to Marcus Smart keeping Jaren out of foul trouble.  

Training camp begins Tuesday, October 3rd, and the first preseason game is scheduled for October 8th at home against the Indiana Pacers. 

 Stay tuned for our upcoming season preview and for all things Memphis Grizzlies.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Offseason Updates: Trades and the NBA Draft

The Grizzlies have traded guard #21 Tyus Jones in a three-team deal to the Washington Wizards. (Credit: NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s been a relatively eventful past 48 hours for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Grizzlies trade Tyus Jones for Marcus Smart:

Late on the eve of the NBA Draft, the Grizzlies entered the trade market with a splash. Shortly after the news emerged that talks between the Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards, and the Los Angeles Clippers regarding a possible trade involving Kristaps Porzingis had broken down, the Grizzlies entered the picture behind the scenes. It was important for Boston to finalize this move as an opt-in and trade with Porzingis before midnight or risk him declining his $36 million player option and hitting the free agency market where it would cost the Celtics more to acquire him.

When the dust had settled, Porzingis was headed to the Celtics, Tyus Jones was headed to the Wizards, and longtime Celtic Marcus Smart was now to be a Memphis Grizzly.

“Now it is official: The Memphis Grizzlies have acquired guard Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that also involves the Washington Wizards. As part of the deal, the Grizzlies traded guard Tyus Jones to the Wizards and traded the draft rights to guard Marcus Sasser and a future first-round draft pick to the Celtics. Smart, a nine-year NBA veteran, was the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and has been selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times. The trade also saw Washington receive forward Danilo Gallinari, center Mike Muscala, and the draft rights to forward Julian Phillips.”

Boston drafted Smart with the sixth overall pick in 2014 and, until the trade, he was their longest-tenured player. Smart has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 581 regular-season games and 12.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 108 games in the playoffs.

And if it is any indication of the sort of player that Memphis is getting, Boston fans are devastated to see him go, as much for his presence off the court as on it. Smart is active in the community with his YounGameChanger Foundation, which seeks to provide opportunities for inner-city athletes through mentoring and education, as well as providing support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Memphis parted with two late first-round picks and a player who did not fit into their long-term vision of the future in Jones, and in return gained a veteran presence with proven playoff experience who can serve as a replacement for Dillon Brooks and help carry the load during Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension to start the 2023-24 season.

The move puts the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., together with the previous Defensive Player of the Year, Smart. It marks the first time in NBA history that the two most recent winners of the award will play for the same team.  Factor in the return of Steven Adams and I predict it will be scary for teams against this Grizzlies’ defense in the upcoming season.

Smart is who Dillon Brooks believed he was, and this is a good pickup for Memphis. It shows the front office’s commitment to building a perennial championship contending team around the core of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.

In Draft News:

In the second round of the 2023 draft, the Grizzlies picked up two players: South Carolina forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II with the number 45 pick, and Fenerbahçe wing Tarik Biberovic with the number 56 pick. Jackson was named to the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team, averaging 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 32 games last season, while Biberovic has played professionally for Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League for the past five years, averaging 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 24 games.

It is expected that both Jackson and Biberovic will join rising sophomores David Roddy, Jake LaRavia, Kenneth Lofton Jr, and Vince Williams Jr. and suit up for the Grizzlies’ summer league squad — playing in both the Salt Lake City Summer League, which will run from July 3-6 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Las Vegas Summer League which will run from July 7-17 in Las Vegas.