2021 NBA trade deadline: Latest buzz, news and reports

Marcus Smart was all smiles at his first media day with the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart said he’s getting comfortable and already starting to take on a leadership role with his new team.

“It’s been great,” Smart said. “As they told you already, I’ve been talking defense in there with those guys, but you realize right away that this is a group of guys that are hungry. They want to win and are trying to get better. They’re asking me questions; we’re laughing and joking, but we’re excited.”

Memphis is going to lean heavily on Smart while Ja Morant serves his 25-game suspension to begin the year. Smart said he’s ready to take on that leadership role for the Grizzlies by doing what he’s always done.

“Just continue to be me. I’ve never been fake, and anyone who knows me understands that,” Smart said. “By doing that, it allows that genuineness to come out. Figuring out the balance and everything else will work itself out.”