New details on Morant’s suspension, D-Rose and Marcus Smart to pick up the slack
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Grizzlies star Ja Morant will travel and practice with the team while he serves a 25-game suspension for flashing guns on social media.
“I think it is so important that he is with us. He is so important to our team,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Obviously, I know he is going to be out of gameplay, but being fully immersed in our team environment: practices, shootarounds, the locker room, traveling. It’s huge.”
While Morant serves that suspension, others will have to pick up the slack, including a new addition to the Grizzlies roster: Marcus Smart.
Smart, who was named 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Celtics, said he hopes to strengthen the team’s defense and offer guidance to the younger players. He will have to stay flexible, as he will effectively replace Morant for the first third of the season, then play alongside him once the suspension ends.
Smart said he doesn’t intend to replace anyone and his happy to help however he can.
“It is unique, knowing early right away that your roles are going to change,” Smart said. “Like I said, I’m here to win, so whatever that means I have to do or whatever roles I have to take on, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Smart isn’t the only veteran player joining the Grizzlies this season. Former Memphis Tiger Derrick Rose is a new addition for the 2023-24 season as well. He returns to the Bluff City after 16 years.
“I had a blast here. I loved it,” Rose said. “That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to sign back and bring my kids and family out here.”
Rose, who left the Tigers to go pro after one season, will be the oldest player of the team and brings with him a wealth of experience and accolades. He’s a three-time NBA All-star and has been named both the MVP and Rookie of the Year during his career.
Rose said the decision was all about growth and he is happy to give guidance to the younger players, including Ja Morant.
Rose reflected on his own struggles during his career, including being accused of rape, faking his ACT scores and flashing gang signs on camera.
“Now you’re seeing a different Derrick. I’m 34. I have three kids. I’m married,” Rose said. “If anything, you see growth, and that’s why I wanted to come back.
Rose knows how hard it can be to be young and in the spotlight and said his negotiations to join the Grizzlies started after reaching out to Morant to offer advice following his suspension.
“I’m not here to babysit, micromanage. I’m not here to be a plant in the locker room,” Rose said. “I am here to help guys win.”
Rose said he hopes to grow into a leadership role.
“I saw that potential here that I can actually challenge myself in that way, being more vocal, and just seeing where it goes,” he said.
If you would like a chance to see the new roster in action for yourself, you can check out the Grizzlies’ open practice on Saturday or the team’s first preseason game on Sunday. Both are being held at the FedExForum.
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