Grizzlies guard not named Ja Morant ‘a possibility’ for 2024 Paris Olympics

The Memphis Grizzlies were represented quite extensively during this summer’s illustrious FIBA World Cup, as current players Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama were seen partaking in the festivities for their respective national teams, the United States and Spain, respectively.

Even former members of the franchise such as Dillon Brooks were found showing out during the tournament, with the wing going on to beat Jackson and Team USA during their August 10 conclusion, allowing Team Canada to take home the bronze medal.

Now, with the World Cup officially in the rearview, basketball’s national stage focus will begin to shift toward the 2024 Olympics, which will be held in Paris, France next summer with current dates set for July 26 through August 11.

Already it’s being reported that star players such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum are “prepared to commit” to playing in 2024 and, per The Athletic’s Sham Charania, the Grizzlies could see representatives rostered by Team USA for the second year in a row, as guard Desmond Bane has been tabbed as “a possibility” to join the squad.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane ‘a possibility’ to play in 2024 Olympics

"“Desmond Bane, a big, rugged, two-way guard whose style is perfect for FIBA, would have been on the World Cup team if not for offseason foot surgery. He remains a possibility,” Charania wrote."

Bane was, unfortunately, unable to participate in this summer’s World Cup as a result of having surgery on his right big toe, which had been broken since early November. Joining Team USA for the 2024 Olympics would provide him with his first lick of true international action since entering the NBA back in 2020.

The guard may not have the moniker of “All-Star” like his fellow Grizzlies teammates in Jackson Jr. and, of course, Ja Morant, but he has quickly established himself as one of head coach Taylor Jenkins’ primary contributors within the rotation.

Despite suffering from near season-long injuries, Bane finds himself coming off the best statistical year of his professional career, as he finished 2022-23 off with stellar averages of 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from deep.

Now, after agreeing to terms on a new five-year, $207 million contract extension with the Grizzlies this summer, the 25-year-old heads into a promising fourth season where, right along with representing his home country in the upcoming Olympic games, claiming the coveted All-Star label could also be a real possibility.

Aside from Bane, no word was uttered by Charania regarding Morant, Jackson Jr., or any other Memphis player’s involvement with next summer’s Paris games.

2 ex-Grizzlies primed for big seasons in 2023-24

There are two former Memphis Grizzlies players who could be in line for rather productive seasons with their new squads in 2023-24.