3 Grizzlies that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
Memphis Grizzlies that earned untouchable status: 2. Desmond Bane
Bane was a fantastic draft find by Memphis. The 6’5 wing took on an expanded offensive role this season, and he thrived. Bane averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 31.7 minutes per game as he shot 47.9 percent from the field, 40.8 percent on his threes, and 88.3 percent from the free throw line.
The 24-year-old keeps getting better, and Memphis needs him next to Ja Morant. Bane is a stout defender that thrives as a scorer and secondary ball-handler. He is still not in his prime, and the former TCU Horned Frog will be an All-Star and All-NBA candidate for the next decade.
Nobody expected Desmond Bane to be this good, but he has arrived. The Grizzlies must get an extension done this summer before Bane becomes a restricted free agent in 2024. If he keeps improving, Bane could sign a max deal, which would complicate the cap sheet in Memphis. They are better offer getting a slightly team-friendly extension done this summer and avoiding the headache one year from now.
The Memphis Grizzlies need Desmond Bane on both ends of the floor. He shined as the team’s top option when Ja Morant went out, and the best is still yet to come from the 24-year-old wing.