There’s not a day I don’t take into consideration Marcus Good. You may assume I’m exaggerating, however my mates in France would affirm that I speak about him every day. When he was drafted in 2014, I used to be nonetheless in highschool. Again then, he shortly grew to become my favourite participant. However as you get older, you cease having favourite gamers, similar to you cease believing in Santa Claus. However when Danny Ainge chosen Marcus Good within the draft, I didn’t know he would change into my final “favourite participant.”
Quick ahead to 2023: Brad Stevens made the commerce that reshaped the Boston Celtics’ trajectory and broke my coronary heart. Since then, I’ve tried to show into an ice-cold analyst. However I nonetheless traveled throughout the Atlantic final February to witness his return to TD Backyard. Watching the gang present Marcus Good how a lot they love and admire him was unimaginable—it was a shared thanks from all of us.
Marcus Good chants proceed to echo within the halls of TD Backyard
I genuinely don’t assume there’s a participant so beloved by his former franchise on this league pic.twitter.com/KZnQHhPd1v
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) February 5, 2024
LaRavia Connection
Coming back from damage, Marcus Good has been taking part in with the Grizzlies’ bench, whereas rookie Jaylen Wells spends most of his time with the starters. Whereas that may sound like a downgrade, it’s given Good beneficial minutes with energetic younger gamers who thrive in transition. One standout connection has been with Jake LaRavia.
Amongst all of the Grizzlies, LaRavia has logged probably the most minutes with Good this season (152). Each are sharp passers and prepared cutters who don’t hesitate to drag the set off from three. This chemistry has created some spectacular highlights. As an example, LaRavia lately discovered Good slicing to the basket, and Good delivered a Magic Johnson-esque move:
The connection works each methods. Good continues to be among the finest live-dribble passers, and LaRavia excels at discovering open area.
This pairing is a part of what makes Marcus Good so enjoyable to observe with Memphis. With him on the ground, the Grizzlies excel at scoring off stay rebounds, averaging 1.43 factors per possession. Good’s potential to generate turnovers additionally amplifies Memphis’ fast-break alternatives.
Nonetheless first to the ground
If you consider Marcus Good, the primary picture could be one in all him on the ground. In opposition to James Harden’s Rockets, going through Kyrie Irving’s Nets, or vs. Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers… there are such a lot of iconic highlights, sport altering actions. These successful performs made him the “coronary heart and soul” of the Celtics.
In Memphis, the colours have modified, however the hustle hasn’t. Good continues so as to add legendary steals to his repertoire. His playstyle aligns completely with the Grizzlies’ id— successful possession battles by way of rebounding and forcing turnovers.
Defensively, Good enhances reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr., offering flexibility on the level of assault. He’s nonetheless adept at guarding taller gamers and excels as a secondary rim protector.
The Marcus Good Expertise
Over the past six video games, Good has averaged simply over 12 factors in 20 minutes per sport, with flashes of brilliance and moments of battle. In opposition to Detroit, he caught hearth, hitting seven of his 11 three-point makes an attempt en path to a 25-point, five-assist efficiency.
A number of days later, he helped decelerate Tyrese Haliburton whereas retaining Memphis’ bench offense flowing in opposition to the Pacers.
Nevertheless, Tuesday marked a low level for Good in Memphis—a zero-point sport marred by poor late-game decision-making that price the Grizzlies. Headlines may give attention to the negatives, however even in his “worst” moments, Good provides worth. Defensively, he disrupted key performs, corresponding to this vital fourth-quarter cease:
Regardless of missed pictures and late-game miscues, Good generated open seems for his teammates and maintained a quick, unselfish tempo. It was a quintessential Marcus Good Expertise—highs, lows, however at all times impactful.
Bouncing again
Good at all times bounces again. After the robust outing, he delivered an incredible efficiency in opposition to Sacramento, taking part in 10 of 12 clutch minutes and proving his value as a glue man for Memphis. His potential to contribute with each the starters and bench makes him indispensable.
Marcus Good continues to be the final word group participant—one who finds methods to affect video games, whether or not in Boston inexperienced or Memphis blue.
