The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics in June and the former Defensive Player of the Year has had many “life” conversations with Ja Morant.
Morant made his return to the NBA last night against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing the first 25 games of the season due to a suspension.
“We have sat down and talked. And it really had nothing to do about basketball, it was about life,” Smart told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. “Just understanding how blessed we are to be in this spot, to be able to feed our families and do it at the highest level and live out our dreams. And, excuse my French, never take this s— for granted, because it can be gone in any second.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant played 34 minutes versus the Pelicans. He finished with 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and five turnovers while shooting 12-of-24 from the floor and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
Morant hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer, capping off a great first day back.
“He has had to deal with that. He has had a little bit of taste of it could be gone and understands to try not to let that happen again,” Smart said. “It’s good to hear from him about how he feels about everything in his life and to see him still have a smile on his face.”
Smart is currently injured, but he’s expected to be back soon. The Grizzlies will start Morant, Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Bismack Biyombo once Smart returns.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Grizzlies in July 2022. He was issued a 25-game suspension in mid-June for posing with a gun in a livestream video on Instagram in May.
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