It’s safe to say that Desmond Bane is having a phenomenal start to the 2022-23 season. After making a big leap last year and doubling his scoring averages, he has gotten even better and is putting the league on notice.
He’s averaging 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists and is a big reason why the Grizzlies have stayed at the top of the Western Conference, despite missing key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ziaire Williams.
However, it’s not only what he’s doing but how he’s doing it. He’s currently shooting the three at an astonishing rate, averaging 45% in 8.5 three-point attempts. He’s also showcasing a much extended offensive skillset, being able to comfortably create his own shot off the dribble. Right now, the only player who is making more step-back threes than Bane is Luka Doncic. Do I really have to say anything else?
Bane’s development has brought up the discussion of where he would land in a theoretical 2020 NBA re-draft. Des was the 30th pick in this draft, and I think it has become very clear by now that there were not 29 players better than him.
Let’s check some of the most notable players of the 2020 class and see what Bane’s place is among them.