(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a rough start to the 2023-24 season, and a big reason why has been injuries.
Center Steven Adams was declared out for the year before the season opener even took place because of a right knee injury, and Marcus Smart suffered an ankle injury in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
With star guard Ja Morant already out for the first 25 games of the season after being suspended due to his latest gun-related incident, the Grizzlies cannot afford to have additional key players sit out for extended stretches.
Unfortunately for them, that is exactly what will happen with Smart, as he is expected to be out for “multiple weeks” due to that injury, according to Shams Charania.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is expected to miss multiple weeks with a left ankle injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Another tough absence for Grizzlies early this season. pic.twitter.com/VpnVXCFPmV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2023
Fans are therefore feeling gloomy about the Grizzlies’ prospects moving forward.
The Memphis Grizzlies roster: pic.twitter.com/sHMpboZdl3
— RotoGrinders (@RotoGrinders) November 17, 2023
Grizzlies gotta cancel the season
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) November 17, 2023
Their season is over
— Jo (@MavsStan41) November 17, 2023
grizzlies gonna get to pair ja with the #1 pick
— dean (@DeanScorpion_) November 17, 2023
Smart was acquired from the Boston Celtics in June in the multi-team trade that brought the Celtics star big man Kristaps Porzingis, and it was thought he would give Memphis some veteran smarts and stability, not to mention some world-class defense, in the backcourt.
Smart, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award two seasons ago, is averaging 12.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals a game through 11 contests so far this year.
With such a short-handed roster, the Grizzlies currently hold a 2-9 record, which is the NBA’s second-worst record behind only the Detroit Pistons.
It was just months ago that their future looked very bright, but now, one has to wonder if they have already maxed out their potential.
The post Fans React To Concerning Marcus Smart News appeared first on The Cold Wire.