The Washington Wizards move to acquire Marcus Smart ahead of the NBA trade deadline left many people puzzled about his fit with the team moving forward.
However, in just a couple of games in a Wizards uniform, it's pretty evident why general manager Will Dawkins made the bold move to land the gritty guard and had no issue taking on his contract in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies as the clock ticked down on the February 6th deadline.
Smart brings plenty of experience as he's helped win at the highest level, but he's also lost at the highest level as well. The Oklahoma State product has dealt with plenty of adversity throughout his career, and he's also taken pride in accepting a role on some of the best rosters in the league and playing that role the best he can.
The idea that the veteran will offer experience to help mentor the Wizards core off the court is rewarding enough, but the fact that Smart is so willing to teach the team's young players is a task that not all veterans are willing to take on.
In fact, Smart has gone on record to note that he likes teaching and the fact that the Wizards young backcourt has already started asking the former Defensive Player of the Year questions to better themselves on defense goes to show how valuable the move is for Washington.
And while Smart may not be a long term fit for the Wizards, the value he offers the team now and in the long haul may be bigger than expected.
Wizards could rebuild Smart's trade value and deal him to a contender
The Grizzlies may have given up on Smart, but that doesn't mean the rest of the league isn't interested in the guard. Of course, his injury woes played a large part in why Memphis couldn't find a trade partner at the deadline, but the fact of the matter is that when Smart is healthy, he provides multiple skills that can contribute to winning.
Smart was a big key to success for the Celtics during his time in Boston, and many contending teams coveted the tough-nosed defender for years. At 30, the guard still has plenty to offer and if he can stay healthy down the stretch for the Wizards, he could prove he has plenty to offer for the Wizards front office to work with him in the offseason to find a trade destination that works for both sides.
And if he increases his value, the Wizards could get a solid return centered around draft picks that could make their trade deadline acquisition worth every penny.