The Memphis Grizzlies have their best player back on the court.
It’s been a tough 25 games for Taylor Jenkins’ team without Ja Morant, and you could tell by that 6-19 record.
Of course, Morant’s impact goes beyond measure.
He’s their best scorer, playmaker, and leader, but we cannot overlook the plethora of injuries that have gotten to this team throughout the course of the season.
That’s why it’s such great news to see that Marcus Smart could also be back on the floor as early as this week, according to Grizzlies insider Damichael Cole (via Legion Hoops).
The Grizzlies are expected to have Marcus Smart back in the lineup later this week, per @DamichaelC 👀 pic.twitter.com/FsN3u4YDvq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 20, 2023
The former Boston Celtics star has barely been able to play for his new team this season.
He’s stayed close to the team and has often been spotted on the bench giving pointers and trying to motivate his teammates, which is one of the main reasons why the Grizzlies didn’t hesitate to pick him up and trade for him.
Smart has been out for the past 15 games with an ankle injury, and the team desperately craves his defensive intensity and his ability to guard one through five, not to mention his three-point shooting.
The Grizzlies’ perimeter defense took a bit of a hit with Dillon Brooks’ departure, but they should fare much better in that regard with Smart back in the lineup.
Smart embodies everything the Grizzlies organization has tried to build in terms of culture: grit, grind, and physicality.
And this team will need a strong mindset to climb and fight its way back from the bottom and into postseason contention.
NEXT: Zion Williamson Gets Honest About Ja Morant's Performance