The relationship between an NBA player and their head coach can be special. Coaches are responsible for shaping these young men – not only as players but as people. With that said, different approaches seem to work for different coaches.
Look at the Houston Rockets. For the last few years, they were coached by Stephen Silas. Silas is known for having a gentle approach with his players. Now, they’re led by Ime Udoka. He’s said to use a firmer hand with his players. At the same time, Udoka seems to connect with his roster.
After all, just about everyone he coached on the Boston Celtics has kind words for Udoka. In particular, Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies seemed to connect with him. Could the Rockets reunite Smart and Udoka?
The Trade Proposal
Memphis Grizzlies receive: C Jock Landale, F Jae’Sean Tate, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: G Marcus Smart
Don’t sell the value of that relationship short. Connectivity is key for NBA teams. When the roster, coaches, and front office are aligned, an NBA team can find a lot of success.
With that said, there are some obstacles that even the most connected team can’t overcome. It doesn’t matter where a team stands – they’ll need luck. After all, other teams around the league will get lucky.
It hasn’t been Memphis’ year from a luck perspective. The Grizzlies started the season with Ja Morant serving a suspension. Steven Adams has had to miss the entire season. Now, Morant is going to miss the remainder of the season with an injury.
This is rough. The Grizzlies’ 2023-24 season is likely finished. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if the Grizzlies are sellers leading up to the deadline. Could they send Smart to Houston?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies do this deal because their season is lost. There’s not much else to this one. Without Morant, they might as well kiss their playoff hopes goodbye in 2023-24.
With that said, Memphis will hope to be back at full strength next season. They don’t need to tear down their roster. From that point of view, acquiring Tate makes sense. He could be a replacement for current Rocket Dillon Brooks.
Still, the Grizzlies are losing the best player in this trade. That’s why they’re landing a lightly protected first-round pick here. The Rockets own the Nets’ picks through to 2027, so in all likelihood, the Nets will be looking to avoid the top of the lottery. Should the Rockets send away one of their picks?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets were clearly prioritizing defense this year. By all accounts, they chose Fred VanVleet over James Harden. They also opted to offer Dillon Brooks a contract when few teams were willing to do the same.
So far, that’s worked out well for the Rockets. They’ve got one of the best defenses in the NBA. Why not lean into that identity? Smart is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. His existing relationship with Udoka is a bonus for the Rockets as well.
What’s his place with this team? In the beginning, Smart would likely pilot the second unit. With that said, if Jalen Green doesn’t shape up soon, Smart could replace him in the starting lineup. If nothing else, we know that Ime Udoka trusts him.
