04-25-2026, 08:30 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-25-2026, 09:40 AM by dirkfansince1998.)
Grizzlies gave up two first round picks for Smart in 2023. Attached a first round pick to get rid of him at the deadline in 2025. Probably thought that with nagging injury issues his career was more or less over.
One year later he is the best player on the floor in a first round series against the Rockets. Absolutely killing it on both ends.
Should also mention the coaching battle. Redick is running circles around Udoka. Rockets have no real half court offense. Whoever is guarding Thompson can play free safety (more often than not Smart) and double Durant (first two games) or Sengun. Lakers are paying for it in the rebounding battle because it basically leaves one or two Rockets unassigned but down the line rebounding alone isn't enough to make up for the glaring difference in shot quality.
One year later he is the best player on the floor in a first round series against the Rockets. Absolutely killing it on both ends.
Should also mention the coaching battle. Redick is running circles around Udoka. Rockets have no real half court offense. Whoever is guarding Thompson can play free safety (more often than not Smart) and double Durant (first two games) or Sengun. Lakers are paying for it in the rebounding battle because it basically leaves one or two Rockets unassigned but down the line rebounding alone isn't enough to make up for the glaring difference in shot quality.
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