All Grizzlies

Marcus Smart Reacts to Possibly Being Benched by Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have some tough decisions to make.

Joey Linn

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Memphis Grizzlies are getting Ja Morant back from injury on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Morant had missed the last eight games due to injury, and was joined on the sidelines by several key Grizzlies players.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart has been one of the many Grizzlies players plagued by injuries the last two seasons. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appeared in just 20 games last season, and has played just seven this season.

Smart started the first five games of the season before missing six games and returning as a reserve. Playing off the bench for two games, Smart was then sidelined again for the next four games. Now off the injury report for Monday’s game against Portland, Smart is likely looking at another bench role.

Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) stretches during warm ups prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Rookie wing Jaylen Wells has filled in nicely as a starter for Memphis, and projects to retain that spot even with Smart returning. Reacting to this, Smart was a true professional.

“At this point, I’m trying to win,” Smart said. “I’ve started a pretty good amount of my career. … He’s come in and he’s taking the reins very well, and we’re going to let him ride it out and see what he can do with it.”

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has a lot to figure out with his rotation, but Smart is allowing him to do what is best for the team.

Related Articles

NBA Fans React to Yuki Kawamura's Performance vs. Trail Blazers

Bronny James' Interaction With Ja Morant's Dad Goes Viral

Yuki Kawamura Makes NBA History in Grizzlies vs. Lakers

Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

Home/News