Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ ubiquitous point guard, is showcasing his skills on the court as he practices half-court shots in preparation for the team’s last preseason game. Morant, who is considered a superstar, can often be seen blending in with his surroundings, casually dressed in a Grizzlies hoodie while standing near the bench.

However, there’s a significant change in the Grizzlies’ lineup this season. Marcus Smart, a recent addition to the team, will take on the role of leading the Memphis attack for the first 25 games of the season. This shift is due to Ja Morant’s suspension. The Grizzlies have been on the rise for several years, and there is still room for growth if they can maintain their winning mentality.

Smart, who is wearing a new jersey for the first time in his NBA career, acknowledges that this transition can be challenging. When asked about the adjustment, Smart expressed his gratitude for being part of an organization that values and wants him. He is enthusiastic and eager to contribute to his new team.

While trade rumors surrounded Smart during his time with the Boston Celtics, they didn’t bother him much. He signed a four-year agreement with the Celtics in 2021 and became the starting point guard, which put an end to the speculation. However, he always knew that a trade might be in his future.

Smart candidly admitted, “To be honest, I figured I would be traded at some point.” “Based on my contract and the new CBA, I assumed it would be the next season.” The trade rumors persisted, and Smart’s curiosity led him to inquire about his status. Despite reassurances from the team, he learned about his trade to the Grizzlies from a tweet by NBA insider Shams Charania.

With Ja Morant sidelined in the early months of the season, Marcus Smart has an opportunity to lead by example and keep the team focused. The Grizzlies believe he is an ideal fit for their emphasis on “grit and grind.” Coach Taylor Jenkins sees these initial months as an evaluation period to assess how Smart can impact the team on both ends of the court.