Marcus Smart figured he would be traded, but admits this part of Wizards transition is ‘confusing’
After playing for the Grizzlies and Celtics, Smart suddenly finds himself on a rebuilding team.
Marcus Smart was a Celtics mainstay for nearly a decade.
But after being traded away in the Kristaps Porzingis deal, an injury-riddled first season in Memphis, and being moved again at this year’s trade deadline, Smart finds himself on his third team in three seasons.
Smart, who played in 20 games with Memphis last season, said the Grizzlies’ decision to move him wasn’t a shocker.
“I figured I would get traded, just didn’t know where, was kind of just waiting,” Smart told reporters, per team provided video. “I was a little bit surprised. It was a little last minute. But, that’s out of my control, and I tend to not focus on things I can’t control.”
The Celtics won the title last year and are among the top favorites to win this year. The Grizzlies are second in the Western conference and have the fourth-best record in the NBA, right behind the Celtics who are third.
The Wizards (9-44) have the worst record in the NBA. Smart will have to adapt to a team in rebuild mode after spending so much time around contenders.
“I guess you can kind of say it’s confusing because you’re just trying to figure out where you stand in that,” Smart said. “Figure out what you can do to help without stepping on any toes, but also being yourself at the same time.”
“It’s a fresh start,” he added. “You get to come in to a rebuild where they’re looking for help. They’re looking for that advice and that experience and I’m the one to be able to come in and help with that.”
Smart, who is in his 11th season and will turn 31 next month, said his experience is one of the top things he can bring to the Wizards locker room.
“I’ve played for really good teams up until now and was able to do some things with them and really just bring the experience over here,” Smart said. “Young group of guys really looking to figure out their own in this league and just helping them with that.”
Smart came off the bench in Memphis behind star point guard Ja Morant. Smart was asked how Washington’s front office pitched his role to him.
“Just be me, that’s really it. Be me,” Smart said. “Be what got you here. All the things that you do, that work ethic on the court, off the court being the vet to these young guys and you know, how this game works and how this league works.”
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