3 ways acquiring Marcus Smart will improve the Memphis Grizzlies

Playmaking Ability

While Marcus Smart is rightfully known for his defensive prowess and his hustle plays, he is also one of the most underrated playmakers in the entire NBA. Next season, Smart will find himself on a team that boasts Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., three of the most talented young players in the league. He won’t be called upon to be a primary offensive weapon but his contributions on that side of the ball should not be overlooked.

In the last three years, Smart has put up his individual best in assist per game average each consecutive season. In 2021, he averaged a career-high 5.7 assists per game. He upped that to 5.9 assists in 2022, followed by a career-high 6.3 assists per game in 2023. While his career average of 10.6 points per game is not eye-popping, it takes a high IQ player to average over 6 assists on a team where the two All-Star forwards have a high usage rate and often have the ball in their hands.

Next season, Smart will have a teammate in Ja Morant who is capable of making exciting plays and often makes stellar passes. However, Smart is a savvy enough player that he can play alongside Morant at the off-guard position or give Morant a breather at the point guard slot and play with backcourt mate Desmond Bane. Smart’s ability to make the right play, whether it is taking the shot or creating for others, gives Head Coach Taylor Jenkins another element of versatility he can use at his disposal next season.