Marcus Smart, one of the NBA’s fiercest defenders, has spent a decade in the league. Known for his grit and accolades, including the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and three All-Defensive First Team selections, Smart now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. His experience has shaped him into a mentor for the Grizzlies’ emerging stars. However, it’s Marcus Smart’s NBA debut, marked by a dramatic rookie year showdown with DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins, that remains a vivid memory, filled with raw emotion and controversy.
The Day DeMarcus Cousins Made Marcus Smart’s NBA Debut a Nightmare
During a recent chat with former Nets player Theo Pinson, Smart recounted his unforgettable rookie clash with Cousins. For those unacquainted, Cousins, infamous for his volatile temper, faced 17 ejections during his career. So, it’s no surprise that Smart’s rookie encounter with Boogie turned into a dramatic spectacle.
Smart, drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2014, was eager to prove himself. The encounter with Cousins was less than welcoming. “I tried to box him out, and he slung me like a rag doll,” Smart recalled, his voice tinged with the nostalgia of youthful bravado. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m young and strong. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I’m going to break his a**.’”
Despite advice from then-teammate Jameer Nelson to avoid escalating the situation, Smart’s fiery spirit wasn’t easily quenched. It wasn’t long before Smart’s relentless attitude earned him the respect of the notoriously tough Cousins.
Years later, Smart reflects on how that confrontation was a pivotal moment in earning Cousins’ respect. Even as Cousins thrived in Taiwan, winning the T1 league championship and Finals MVP, there remains an intriguing possibility: if Boogie ever returns to the NBA, might he reach out to Smart?
In the ever-evolving drama of the NBA, Smart’s ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment with DeMarcus Cousins stands out as a potent reminder of the league’s raw and unpredictable nature.
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