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3 untouchable Memphis Grizzlies not named Ja Morant

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 16, 2023 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 - JANUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 16, 2023 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) /

2. Desmond Bane

Ironically, our second player mentioned on this untouchables list is also a backcourt talent acquired by trade with the Boston Celtics in soon-to-be fourth-year guard, Desmond Bane.

The former TCU standout was selected 30 overall back in the 2020 NBA Draft, only to then be subsequently traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for two future second-round picks and cash considerations.

Fast forward several seasons later and the, then, low-key exchange has proven to be well worth it for Memphis, as they find themselves with one of the game’s premier backcourt talents who, in 2023-24, will still be earning a mere rookie-scale salary at just $3.8 million.

Come the conclusion of the campaign, however, his recently inked five-year, $207 million max extension will then kick in, and, based on the production he has put forth throughout his tenure in Memphis, even that has a shot at reasonably being considered “chump change,” in a sense.

Despite suffering from a nagging toe injury, last season proved to be Bane’s absolute best as he posted career-high numbers virtually all across the board, boasting averages of 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting a highly efficient 47.9 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from distance.

His trajectory to this point has already thrust him ahead of established All-Stars such as Bradley Beal, Dejounte Murray, and Klay Thompson on HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina’s recent list and, as time moves on, it’s likely that he will be the player youngsters will be looking to surpass on league rankings.

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