Grizzlies Legend Shares Message for Marcus Smart

Memphis Grizzlies legend Tony Allen had a warm message for Marcus Smart.

If there's one player Grizzlies fans are excited to see next season, it's Marcus Smart. Very seldom does a player match a culture as perfectly as Smart does for the Grizzlies, and it's got both fans and even former players excited - even Tony Allen.

Allen made a guest call on Grind City Media show where he hyped up the Grizzlies' newest acquisition, Marcus Smart.

"Defense, defense, defense," Allen said about Smart. "Matter fact, first team, first team, all defense. Marcus Smart is in the building, let's give him a warm welcome to Memphis. A big stamp from the grandfather himself, man."

No former Grizzlies player can relate to Marcus Smart the way Tony Allen can. He's the perfect ambassador to embrace Smart, and also the perfect mentor for Smart. Tony Allen is arguably the most underrated guard in NBA history. He's only made All-Defensive first team three times and has never won NBA Defensive Player of the Year before. Many have credited him as being one of the toughest defenders they've ever played against, but he's never been rewarded with the accolades.

While losing Tyus Jones is a huge blow for the Memphis Grizzlies, there is legitimate excitement and buzz around the team with the acquisition of Marcus Smart. The team won't have Ja Morant to start the season, they'll have a leader in Smart.

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