Kofi Inkoom
With just one preseason game remaining for the Memphis Grizzlies, fans have been eagerly awaiting the debut of newcomer Marcus Smart.
Smart has reassured everyone that they won’t have to wait much longer as per Damichael Cole.
During a Tuesday practice session with the Grizzlies, Marcus Smart indicated his intention to participate in Friday’s preseason finale against the Milwaukee Bucks and the regular season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 25.
“I’ve been doing this going on 10 years now, so for me, I know what it takes to get myself going and how long it takes,” the Grizzlies veteran guard said. “I’ll be ready.”
The guard, who was acquired from Boston during the offseason, is slated to join the starting lineup, as per coach Taylor Jenkins.
Smart’s readiness for this debut was temporarily hampered by abdominal soreness, a challenge he’s been working to overcome.
Additionally, Smart’s reputation as a tenacious defender who puts in maximum effort and dives for loose balls is well-known.
He’s been awarded the NBA’s hustle award three times during his 10-year career, a feat unmatched in league history.
Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard just had a shooting competition at practice. Bane came back at the end and beat Kennard. pic.twitter.com/h0Z22jdERx
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) October 17, 2023
However, this hustle has also led to some injuries, and Smart acknowledged that his intense practice regimen following his honeymoon played a role in his current abdominal soreness.
MORE : Beautiful Photos From Marcus Smart’s Wedding
Grizzlies’ head coach, Taylor Jenkins, confirmed that if Smart makes his return on Friday, he will take up a starting role.
This is likely to move Derrick Rose to the bench and give the Grizzlies an opportunity to assess how their potential starting and bench lineups will perform.