Ex-NBA Champ, Who Defended Ja Morant in Gun Controversy, Believes 2x All-Star Wouldn’t Need to “Portray” Anymore With Marcus Smart’s Addition

Memphis Grizzlies‘ Ja Morant is notable for causing mayhem. The latest gun stint of Morant‘s got him a 25-game suspension from the NBA commission. Though he apologized for his actions, it’s not looking good for the 24-year-old. A relief to the Grizzlies is in the form of Marcus Smart.

Morant’s inclination for controversies reminds us of an ex-NBA champion who also had his fair share of trouble. Knowing what the media can do to “mistakes”, led the veteran to defend young Morant in the first gun controversy. But, it seems like he didn’t heed the older player’s words. And this time around, the ex-champ didn’t mince words, calling his actions a “moron move”. 

Stephen Jackson believes Marcus Smart is the missing piece to complete the Grizzlies

In the recent trade, the Boston Celtics shocked everyone by trading Smart to land Kristaps Porziņģis. It was an emotional farewell for Smart and the Celtics. But, the trade was a golden opportunity for the Grizzlies. As Stack puts it, “adding a Defensive Player of the Year” can help Ja stop “portraying” what he is supposed to be.

The addition of Marcus Smart will definitely provide the relatively young team of Grizzlies with a mentor. A nudge in the right direction. Smart’s arrival will show Morant what a leader is supposed to be. Ja, only having the right to practice and travel with the team, will get ample time to study and hopefully, soak up some of the traits.

The Grizzlies’ ‘smart’ decision to get Smart on the team

The three-team trade that sent Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies was heart-wrenching for the Celtics’ star player. Everyone knows how much Smart loved the team and his fellow teammates. Having spent 9 years with the same team, it was with a heavy heart that he said goodbye. But he is excited to join the Grizzlies as it will give him a “fresh start”, as tweeted by Jared Weiss.

Read More: “A Trator”: Hours After Surprising Marcus Smart Trade, Boston Celtics Executive Gets Lambasted by NBA World

Subsequently, it was a jackpot for the Grizzlies. They are a talented, but young group. The addition of Marcus will provide the team with much-needed guidance and leadership as well as, provide cover at point guard because of Morant’s suspension. Smart is a fantastic stopper. That ability gives the Grizzlies added flexibility on that end of the floor, even after losing wing Dillon Brooks.

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With Derrick Rose sharing responsibility, the leadership side is almost stable. Whether Ja Morant can behave himself on the road is something that is still in the air. For his sake and the Grizzlies, we sincerely wish he does.