The Memphis Grizzlies’ injury woes continue to grow with another crucial player, not named Ja Morant, being sidelined. Marcus Smart, the former Boston Celtics star, got injured in the Grizzlies’ latest win earlier today, and the devastating injury will keep the star away from basketball-related activity for a substantial amount of time.
On Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies had a bittersweet experience against the Dallas Mavericks. Memphis won the game with quite a cushion; however, they had to see one of their best players end the game with an apparent injury.
Marcus Smart injury update
Before the commencement of last season, Marcus Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that saw the elite defender leave the TD Garden after nine long years. Known for his aggressive defending and his ability to knock down crucial shots, Smart seemed like the perfect fit to lead the young team.
However, things did not go as planned. Soon after making his debut with the Grizzlies, Smart was affected by an injury. The foot sprain that the player went down with left Memphis without Smart’s services for 17 games.
Following his return, the player had been phenomenal for the Grizzlies with his leadership and consistent scoring reliability. However, once again, all of the Grizzlies’ plans have been foiled completely.
In this Grizzlies’ most recent victory, the one-time Defensive Player of the Year was once again instrumental as usual. However, an incident during the game saw the player end up with a serious injury. Knocking down a three in the third quarter, Smart noticed his finger in an awkward position.
Once the game ended, NBA Insider Shams Charania confirmed Marcus Smart’s injury status. Shams said, “Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks.”
Grizzlies left in a lurch with Marcus Smart, Ja Morant injuries
Even before the Memphis Grizzlies organization, fans and players could recover from the news that their superstar Ja Morant would be out for the season, they were hit with another blow in the form of Marcus Smart.
The news which came in the form of ‘rubbing salt in the wounds’ and saw Marcus Smart being sidelined for the vast majority of 6 weeks. This comes as a significant disappointment for the Western Conference team who are struggling to compete for a position in the Play-In spots.
The two injuries pretty much amputate the Grizzlies’ chances of staying alive in the league because the harsh reality is that there is no single player who can keep them afloat. Jaren Jackson Jr. thrives in his role as a secondary option while Desmond Bane performs freely in the presence of another star guard.
The absence of Morant and Smart removes crucial portions of offense and defense from an already average roster. The same absence, however, creates an opportunity for both Jackson and Bane to prove themselves as elite youngsters in the league.
Will the Grizzlies be able to make the play-in? How crucial was Marcus Smart for the Grizzlies? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions so let us know what you feel in the comments below.
