Memphis Grizzlies: What Can Russ Smith Bring?
The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have addressed one of their largest weaknesses over the weekend. A deal is in the works involving the Grizz, the Boston Celtics, and the New Orleans Pelicans that would send Jeff Green and Russ Smith to the Grizzlies, Quincy Pondexter to New Orleans, and a future first round pick, Tayshaun Prince and Austin Rivers to Boston.
This was a move Memphis had to make. Jeff Green provides an immediate upgrade over Pondexter and Prince. Green can create his own shot, is a capable outside shooter (40 percent from the corners), and has the versatility to play both small forward and power forward. This trade could be the one that puts them over the edge from Western Conference contender to Western Conference favorite.
Now, as I said before, Green was not the only player Memphis acquired. The Grizzlies reportedly will also receive rookie point guard Russ Smith in the deal. Smith is clearly an afterthought in this deal, but can he eventually become a player of value in Memphis?
In the 2014 NBA Draft, Smith was plucked in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers. Smith is a 6’0″ point guard out of Louisville. While in school, he was one of the most electrifying players in all of college basketball.
His speed and ball-handling ability made him a one man fast-break. Russ Smith in the open court was one of the most terrifying sights on opposing player could see. His senior year was his best at Louisville, he led the team with 18.2 points and 4.6 assists per game on 46.8 percent shooting and 38.7 percent from outside.
On defense, Smith was a pest. Rick Pitino would unleash him in their full-court press, letting him annoy the opposing point guard all night. Sometimes that would lead to foul trouble, but most times it would end in frustrated opponents and steals. Smith averaged 1.9 steals per game for his college career.
His primary weakness was his sometimes questionable decision making. On occasion, Smith would take a bad shot early in the shot-clock, or force a 1-on-3 fast-break when he should have pulled the ball out and ran the offense. As his career progressed the “bad Russ” moments become fewer and farther between.
For New Orleans, Smith struggled to find the court. He only made it into six games and averaged 4.8 minutes per game. Smith only scored 0.8 points per game on 20 percent shooting. Those numbers are extremely poor, but it’s clear that he has not gotten a real chance to play this season.
Early struggles are nothing new for Smith. During his career he steadily improved each season, despite having a very limited impact his freshman season.
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Generated 1/11/2015.
That lack of playing time is unlikely to change in Memphis. The Grizzlies have two veteran point guards that are playing very well this season in Mike Conley and Beno Udrih. They also have a solid third point guard in Nick Calathes who has only played 8.9 minutes per game this season.
Smith is a long-term prospect. He is a raw, unfinished project that the Grizzlies could one day turn into a reliable contributor as scoring guard off the bench, or his only mention in Memphis could be as a footnote in the Jeff Green trade. Regardless of whether or not Smith pans out, this is a good low risk addition to the trade. The real asset in the deal is Green, and if Smith becomes something useful that’s just a bonus.
Eventually Memphis is going to have to start throwing some of their younger players into the fire. Marc Gasol is almost 30, Zach Randolph is 33, and this franchise is not getting any younger. The next few seasons the veteran core will continue to carry the load, but at one point or another father time always wins out.
Having a young selection of prospects like Smith, Jordan Adams, and Jarnell Stokes attempt to develop together will be important in keeping the Grit and Grind era going.
Next: Jarnell Stokes and Jordan Adams Struggle to Find Minutes