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2 Grizzlies who could become first time All-Stars in 2023-24

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 09: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on April 09, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball upcourt (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball upcourt (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

1. Desmond Bane

Since being selected 30 overall during the 2020 NBA Draft, with every passing year Desmond Bane has only managed to get better and better.

Serving as Ja Morant’s trusty backcourt running mate over the last three seasons, the 25-year-old is coming off a tremendous campaign where he posted career-best averages in points (21.5), assists (4.4), rebounds (5.0), and field goal percentage (47.9) while knocking down a “career low” 40.8 percent of his attempts from deep.

It is because of these efforts and production that Bane earned himself a lucrative deal this summer, as he and the Grizzlies came to an agreement on a five-year, $207 million extension.

Now, with his new lofty payday and considering Morant is slated to miss 30 percent of the upcoming season, one should expect Taylor Jenkins to rely heavily on his soon-to-be fourth-year talent for backcourt productivity, and, judging based on last season, he’s more than capable of excelling without the All-NBA talent in tow, as he posted averages of 22.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in such contests.

Should he put forth this or perhaps an even greater level of play, an All-Star selection should by no means be out of the realm of possibility for the highly underrated shooting guard.

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