"It's one thing to watch him on TV, it's another to see him in person" - Smart on what being teammates with Ja is like

The pairing of 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and two-time All-Star Ja Morant on the Memphis Grizzlies was supposed to wreak havoc on the rest of the NBA. With Smart's defensive tenacity confounding opposing players and Morant's relentless attacks on the rim, they were a dynamic duo that seemed unstoppable.

However, Year 1 of the pairing never got off the ground. Smart, who the Grizzlies acquired in a blockbuster trade in June 2023, was riddled by ankle and finger injuries that limited him to playing in only 20 games all season. Morant , on the other hand, served a lengthy suspension before returning to the roster in December. However, his return lasted only nine games as he suffered a finger injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Marcus was not just impressed but genuinely captivated by what he saw from his young teammate, calling him a 'different animal' from most NBA superstars.

More spectacular in person

Morant's aerial exploits are well-known amongst his peers and foes. Smart already knew how unique the Murray State product was back when he was still guarding him as a member of the Boston Celtics. However, Smart gained a whole new perspective after seeing Ja's high-flying abilities up close and personal.

"Different animal, man. I mean, it's one thing to watch him on TV; it's another to see him in person," the three-time NBA All-Defense selectee shared on the "Run Your Race" podcast.

When you're an opponent, you often see the finished product on the hard court. However, when you're a teammate, you're privy to all the details that make up that highlight reel. And according to Smart, Morant's dunks behind the scenes are much better.

"We were in training camp before he got hurt. He'd come in, get his workout in, and the sh*t he's doing, you think, 'Bro, it's like there's a trampoline underneath his feet.' There's no way he's jumping like that for real. Then you see it, and you're like, 'Oh no, this sh*t is for real.' And it's way better than it looks," Marcus remarked.

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Unforgettable return

Morant returned to the roster on December 19 in a game against the New Orleans Hornets. The 6-foot-2 guard had a marvelous game, compiling 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. As expected, he was gassed down the stretch after such a long lay-off. Smart said Ja was so tired he didn't want to take the last shot. However, the Grizzlies insisted he do so.

"First game back. Yeah, he didn't even want the ball for the last shot. He was so tired, bro. He was in the huddle like, 'Hey, Des, J, you want it?' 'Boy, hell no, you shoot. Stop playing. Catch your breath, we'll call another timeout. Sit down and get ready,'" Marcus said, laughing at the memory.

Morant eventually took the floor, brought the ball up, and drove it into the teeth of the defense, scoring the game-winning, buzzer-beating floater to give Memphis the 115-113 victory. With Ja and Smart expected to come to training camp healthy, the Grizzlies will be a team to watch out for in the upcoming season.

Related: Ja Morant airs his belief that the Grizzlies can win the NBA title next year: “Honestly, God-willing. If everyone stays healthy.”