Desmond Bane provides behind-the-scenes insight on Grizzlies star Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies Media Day is always an occasion chock-full of memorable quotes and attention-grabbing conversations, but perhaps the most notable aspect of Monday’s events was ironically related to an individual who provided neither.

Franchise cornerstone Ja Morant was nowhere to be found during the club’s annual Content Day, as the league deemed it best for him to be held out of the festivities while he approaches his 25-game suspension to start the season for conduct detrimental to the association.

Nevertheless, despite his absence, the 24-year-old was discussed in large throughout, with topics ranging from simple public relations to head coach Taylor Jenkins’ expected in-game strategies sans their superstar.

Fortunately, on several occasions during the day, questions regarding Morant’s personal well-being were, indeed, fielded and, during a Q&A session with the folks at Grind City Media, Desmond Bane provided some behind-the-scenes information regarding his backcourt cohort.

Desmond Bane talks up Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant on a personal level

"“He’s good. I’ve seen a lot of positivity from him which, you know, first and foremost is the most important thing which you worry about with any human — being positive and in positive spirits,” Bane said."

Bane would continue on to talk up the level of joy that comes with being Morant’s teammate, going as far as to label him one of his favorite running mates from throughout his entire basketball career.

"“He’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had. I tell people that all the time,” Bane said. “He’s a guy making sure that everybody gets to where they’re supposed to go. He’s kind of like that leader and takes care of the group. I’m really thankful to share a locker room with him as well and I’m really happy he’s in positive spirits and that he’s made it through all of this.”"

Since becoming teammates back in 2020-21, the two have quickly and quite publicly formed a deep and meaningful relationship with one another, with Morant even going as far as to give Bane his own Most Improved Player award back in 2022, with the star stating “you deserve it” in a heartfelt social media post.

With the Grizzlies slated to be without their franchise point guard for the first third of the upcoming campaign, many are pegging Bane as the “next man up” to take on the mantle as the team’s primary option, which has some suggesting an All-Star nod could be well within his sights.

When asked about such a hypothetical turnout during the sitdown, the 25-year-old seemed rather uninterested in the individual honor and attention and, instead, shifted toward a team-first mentality by stating: “If we go out and win games and take care of business I’m sure that multiple people on the team will be recognized for it so winning’s first.”

Based on Bane’s response, it appears that while he’d be happy with an All-Star selection this season, what seems more important from his perspective is overall team success and the happiness and mental health of his friend and backcourt running mate in Morant.

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