The Memphis Grizzlies are bringing Ja Morant back from injury on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Morant had missed the last eight games due to injury and was supported on the sideline by several key Grizzlies players.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart was one of the many Grizzlies players plagued by injuries over the last two seasons. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year played in just 20 games last season and has played just seven games this season.

Smart started the first five games of the season before missing six games and returning as a reserve. Smart played on the bench for two games and was then sidelined again for the next four games. With the injury report now in for Monday’s game against Portland, Smart is likely considering a different role on the bench.

Rookie winger Jaylen Wells has performed well as a starter for Memphis and plans to keep that spot even after Smart returns. In response, Smart was a true professional.

“At this point, I’m trying to win,” Smart said. “I started a pretty big part of my career. … He’s come in and is taking the reins really well, and we’re going to let him ride it out and see what he can do with it.”

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins still has a lot to figure out with his rotation, but Smart is allowing him to do what’s best for the team.

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