“Following the addition of (Dennis) Schröder, the Warriors backcourt is a bit crowded,” Last Word on Sports’ Isaiah Usher wrote Monday.
“With the likes of Curry, Schroder, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II all hypothetically laying claim to rotation spots, it seems strange to opine that the Warriors should trade for another guard in Marcus Smart.”
“But Smart isn’t just any other guard. In fact, at this stage of his career—and especially if he finds his way into the Warriors—he’s much more of a 3-and-D wing player.”
“Sure, Marcus Smart is a capable on-ball creator and facilitator—career 4.6 assist per game average—but what really makes Smart an intriguing potential add for the Warriors is his grit, physicality, and defensive tenacity.”
“Development from some of the (Memphis) Grizzlies’ young players has shrunk Smart’s role, hypothetically making him more expendable and attainable—Smart could be a worthwhile addition to the Warriors.”
“For his playoff experience and veteran know-how alone, Smart’s price tag is worth looking into.”
Smart, a 6-foot-3 guard who won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award as a member of the Celtics, is as pesky as it gets on the ball.
The Oklahoma State product is 100% committed to speeding up opponents, forcing rash decisions, and playing mind games with overconfident ball handlers.
Offensively, Smart isn’t the most lethal offensive weapon in the NBA, averaging 9.2 points on 36.5% shooting from the field and 32.5% shooting from beyond the arc with the Grizzlies this season.
Still, the 11-year veteran has proven he can offer assistance on that end of the floor while making his money defensively, which may appeal to the Warriors.
To acquire Smart, Golden State would probably need to consider cutting ties with a quality wing in Andrew Wiggins to appease the Grizzlies.
While a swap wouldn’t be easy, it would be necessary if the Warriors aim to elevate their defense to new heights this season.