Chris Vernon sets high expectations for Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane

Last season, the emergence of Desmond Bane was one of the biggest storylines for the Memphis Grizzlies. After a solid rookie campaign, he took things to a whole new level in year two.

In 76 games, Bane averaged 18.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.2 SPG. He also finished second in the NBA in three-point percentage (43.6), trailing only Luke Kennard of the LA Clippers.

Alongside Ja Morant, the former 30th pick is showing that Memphis is quietly forming one of the league’s top backcourt pairings. While most are waiting to see how Bane comes out this season, one analyst is already setting the bar high.

During a recent episode of The Chris Vernon Show, Chris Vernon gave some insight on how he thinks Bane will perform this year. He feels the 24-year-old has a chance to be one of the top performers in the NBA at his position.

“You saw him last night with the 33?,” said Vernon. “I think he has an opportunity to be one of the best shooting guards in the entire NBA. And I do think there is a real possibility that he’s the best shooter in the NBA when Steph Curry leaves.”

Can Desmond Bane be a top shooting guard in the league this season?

It was a bit of a bold claim to make, but a case could be made for Desmond Bane in regard to what Vernon said. He’ll have stiff competition like Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker, Zach LaVine, and Tyrese Maxey in his way, but the Grizzlies guard has the makings of becoming a top player in the league at his position.

Part of what allows Bane to thrive so well is that he is a perfect fit next to Ja Morant in Memphis’ backcourt. With the All-Star point guard always causing defenses to collapse on him, it creates perfect kick-out opportunities. Seeing how well he shot the ball last season, it’s fair to assume he stays around that same level of production in 2023.

If Memphis wants to become a legit contender, they will need other players outside of Ja to continue to elevate their game. As he gets ready to enter his prime seasons, Bane might very well become a near All-Star-level player for the Grizzlies moving forward.