How is Marcus Smart doing in Memphis?

There’s not a day I don’t take into consideration Marcus Good. You would possibly suppose I’m exaggerating, however my associates in France would verify that I discuss him every day. When he was drafted in 2014, I used to be nonetheless in highschool. Again then, he shortly grew to become my favourite participant. However as you get older, you cease having favourite gamers, similar to you cease believing in Santa Claus. However when Danny Ainge chosen Marcus Good within the draft, I didn’t know he would change into my final “favourite participant.”

Quick ahead to 2023: Brad Stevens made the commerce that reshaped the Boston Celtics’ trajectory and broke my coronary heart. Since then, I’ve tried to show into an ice-cold analyst. However I nonetheless traveled throughout the Atlantic final February to witness his return to TD Backyard. Watching the group present Marcus Good how a lot they love and admire him was unbelievable—it was a shared thanks from all of us.

LaRavia Connection

Getting back from harm, Marcus Good has been enjoying with the Grizzlies’ bench, whereas rookie Jaylen Wells spends most of his time with the starters. Whereas which may sound like a downgrade, it’s given Good useful minutes with lively younger gamers who thrive in transition. One standout connection has been with Jake LaRavia.

Amongst all of the Grizzlies, LaRavia has logged probably the most minutes with Good this season (152). Each are sharp passers and keen cutters who don’t hesitate to tug the set off from three. This chemistry has created some spectacular highlights. As an example, LaRavia just lately discovered Good reducing to the basket, and Good delivered a Magic Johnson-esque cross:

The connection works each methods. Good continues to be top-of-the-line live-dribble passers, and LaRavia excels at discovering open house.

This pairing is a part of what makes Marcus Good so enjoyable to observe with Memphis. With him on the ground, the Grizzlies excel at scoring off reside rebounds, averaging 1.43 factors per possession. Good’s capacity to generate turnovers additionally amplifies Memphis’ fast-break alternatives.

Nonetheless first to the ground

While you consider Marcus Good, the primary picture may be one among him on the ground. Towards James Harden’s Rockets, dealing with Kyrie Irving’s Nets, or vs. Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers… there are such a lot of iconic highlights, recreation altering actions. These successful performs made him the “coronary heart and soul” of the Celtics.

In Memphis, the colours have modified, however the hustle hasn’t. Good continues so as to add legendary steals to his repertoire. His playstyle aligns completely with the Grizzlies’ id— successful possession battles by rebounding and forcing turnovers.

Defensively, Good enhances reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr., offering flexibility on the level of assault. He’s nonetheless adept at guarding taller gamers and excels as a secondary rim protector.

The Marcus Good Expertise

Over the past six video games, Good has averaged simply over 12 factors in 20 minutes per recreation, with flashes of brilliance and moments of wrestle. Towards Detroit, he caught fireplace, hitting seven of his 11 three-point makes an attempt en path to a 25-point, five-assist efficiency.

Just a few days later, he helped decelerate Tyrese Haliburton whereas retaining Memphis’ bench offense flowing towards the Pacers.

Nonetheless, Tuesday marked a low level for Good in Memphis—a zero-point recreation marred by poor late-game decision-making that price the Grizzlies. Headlines would possibly deal with the negatives, however even in his “worst” moments, Good provides worth. Defensively, he disrupted key performs, reminiscent of this essential fourth-quarter cease:

Regardless of missed photographs and late-game miscues, Good generated open seems for his teammates and maintained a quick, unselfish tempo. It was a quintessential Marcus Good Expertise—highs, lows, however at all times impactful.

Bouncing again

Good at all times bounces again. After the robust outing, he delivered an awesome efficiency towards Sacramento, enjoying 10 of 12 clutch minutes and proving his price as a glue man for Memphis. His capacity to contribute with each the starters and bench makes him indispensable.

Marcus Good continues to be the last word workforce participant—one who finds methods to influence video games, whether or not in Boston inexperienced or Memphis blue.