How Desmond Bane can make All-Star debut in 2022-23
By Zane Harris
Desmond Bane made an enormous jump in the 2021-22 season for the Memphis Grizzlies. He improved his statistical averages by nine points, 1.3 rebounds, and one assist per game. This was almost enough to bring home the NBA’s Most Improved Player trophy, however, he was bested by fellow teammate Ja Morant.
Bane is set to have another amazing season with the Grizzlies heading into the 2022-23 season. It is expected that he will make another big jump this season and it is not out of the question for him to even be named an All-Star this season.
As long as Bane and the Grizzlies achieve a handful of milestones over the first half of the season, he should be well set up to make his first All-Star appearance.
How Desmond Bane can nab his first All-Star Game appearance
The first thing that will have to happen for Bane to make an All-Star game this coming season is for the Grizzlies to be at least a top-three seed in the Western Conference. With the West being as star-studded and competitive as it is, it is very difficult to get an All-Star spot. As a result of this, it is essential that the Grizzlies are playing great as a team heading into the All-Star break for Bane to have a shot at getting a spot.
As a result of Jaren Jackson Jr. being slated to miss the beginning of the regular season, Bane will have a chance to establish himself as the second option on the Grizzlies’ offense until he returns. This will be a great opportunity for Bane to turn the heads of the Grizzlies coaching staff, the media, and NBA fans as a whole with a hot start to the season. This will be essential as the media and fans play a big role in the All-Star voting.
Desmond Bane will have to show some statistical improvement to make the All-Star game as well. Last year, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. If he is able to average around 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists a game. This would almost guarantee his ticket to the All-Star game.
Bane is well on his way to achieving his next major career milestone of making an All-Star appearance. With him only being 24 years old, Bane still has a lot of room to grow as a player. We should see another big statistical jump from him this season.
With Bane likely being the second option for the Grizzlies for a good stretch to open the year, he will get a great opportunity to shine and play a bigger role in the offense. As long as the Grizzlies continue to play well as a team and Bane makes another statistical jump, he should be able to make his first All-Star appearance this season.