How is Marcus Smart doing in Memphis?

Marcus Smart’s journey with the Memphis Grizzlies has been a mix of highs and lows, but his trademark hustle, defense, and leadership remain as impactful as ever. As he prepares to return to Boston, let’s take a closer look at how he’s adapting in his new role.

There’s not a day I don’t think about Marcus Smart. You might think I’m exaggerating, but my friends in France would confirm that I talk about him on a daily basis. When he was drafted in 2014, I was still in high school. Back then, he quickly became my favorite player. But as you grow older, you stop having favorite players, just like you stop believing in Santa Claus. But when Danny Ainge selected Marcus Smart in the draft, I didn’t know he would become my last “favorite player.”

Fast forward to 2023: Brad Stevens made the trade that reshaped the Boston Celtics’ trajectory and broke my heart. Since then, I’ve tried to turn into an ice-cold analyst. But I still traveled across the Atlantic last February to witness his return to TD Garden. Watching the crowd show Marcus Smart how much they love and appreciate him was incredible—it was a shared thank you from all of us.

LaRavia Connection

Returning from injury, Marcus Smart has been playing with the Grizzlies’ bench, while rookie Jaylen Wells spends most of his time with the starters. While that might sound like a downgrade, it’s given Smart valuable minutes with active young players who thrive in transition. One standout connection has been with Jake LaRavia.

Among all the Grizzlies, LaRavia has logged the most minutes with Smart this season (152). Both are sharp passers and willing cutters who don’t hesitate to pull the trigger from three. This chemistry has created some impressive highlights. For instance, LaRavia recently found Smart cutting to the basket, and Smart delivered a Magic Johnson-esque pass:

The connection works both ways. Smart is still one of the best live-dribble passers, and LaRavia excels at finding open space.

This pairing is part of what makes Marcus Smart so fun to watch with Memphis. With him on the floor, the Grizzlies excel at scoring off live rebounds, averaging 1.43 points per possession. Smart’s ability to generate turnovers also amplifies Memphis’ fast-break opportunities.

Still first to the floor

When you think of Marcus Smart, the first image might be one of him on the floor. Against James Harden’s Rockets, facing Kyrie Irving’s Nets, or vs. Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers… there are so many iconic highlights, game changing actions. These winning plays made him the “heart and soul” of the Celtics.

In Memphis, the colors have changed, but the hustle hasn’t. Smart continues to add legendary steals to his repertoire. His playstyle aligns perfectly with the Grizzlies’ identity— winning possession battles through rebounding and forcing turnovers.

Defensively, Smart complements reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr., providing flexibility at the point of attack. He’s still adept at guarding taller players and excels as a secondary rim protector.

The Marcus Smart Experience

Over the last six games, Smart has averaged just over 12 points in 20 minutes per game, with flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle. Against Detroit, he caught fire, hitting seven of his 11 three-point attempts en route to a 25-point, five-assist performance.

A few days later, he helped slow down Tyrese Haliburton while keeping Memphis’ bench offense flowing against the Pacers.

However, Tuesday marked a low point for Smart in Memphis—a zero-point game marred by poor late-game decision-making that cost the Grizzlies. Headlines might focus on the negatives, but even in his “worst” moments, Smart adds value. Defensively, he disrupted key plays, such as this critical fourth-quarter stop:

Despite missed shots and late-game miscues, Smart generated open looks for his teammates and maintained a fast, unselfish tempo. It was a quintessential Marcus Smart Experience—highs, lows, but always impactful.

Bouncing back

Smart always bounces back. After the tough outing, he delivered a great performance against Sacramento, playing 10 of 12 clutch minutes and proving his worth as a glue guy for Memphis. His ability to contribute with both the starters and bench makes him indispensable.

Marcus Smart is still the ultimate team player—one who finds ways to impact games, whether in Boston green or Memphis blue.