It's a simple truth. The recent comments made by LeBron James about the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis were insensitive. There is only one right city for the Grizzlies, and that is Memphis. Everyone can have their own opinions about Memphis; however, that doesn't mean that the Grizzlies should be relocated because players from other teams don't like the city.
Last summer, the Grizzlies ended up trading fan favorite Desmond Bane following a disappointing collapse to end the season. Even though the deal made sense for both teams, it is still refreshing to see how much love Bane still has for Memphis. Given how difficult the last few days have been for Grizzlies fans, Bane's words last night were much needed.
Ideally, Grizzlies fans would've liked to see the Pelicans win against the Magic last night for draft purposes. Unfortunately for them, the Magic ended up pulling off a much-needed road victory. However, that is far from the biggest story for the fanbase last night.
Bane's words should carry significant weight as a former Grizzly
While most of Desmond Bane's postgame media availability was strictly Magic-related, he ended up receiving a question about LeBron's recent comments. Bane responded by saying the following:
"Yeah, I mean, I think that everybody has their opinion of the city, you know, an opinion of every city. You know, everyone's entitled to their opinion. But you know the people that live there in Memphis, and you know, spend their time there understand how special of a place it is, just real, real, genuine people, you know I mean if you've been there you know." - Desmond Bane
In this era of social media, the NBA voices against the city of Memphis are the ones that have continued to be amplified. But this does not mean that current and former players that love the city should suddenly be ignored. Even though Desmond Bane got traded as recently as last summer, it is great to see how much appreciation that he still has for the city of Memphis.
Let's not also forget that Bane is a part of a long list of players that have embraced Memphis, such as Mike Miller, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, etc., and plenty more that can be named. Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded at this year's deadline but still gave a touching tribute to the city in his piece for The Player's Tribune.
The bond between the team and city remains very strong
Despite a recent wave of negativity surrounding Memphis and the Grizzlies heading into another rebuild, the city is still well-loved by the fanbase along with the current and former players that represent the Grizzlies.
Even though Desmond Bane was traded, the Grizzlies must make it a point of emphasis to find players that embody grit and grind but also continue to embrace Memphis. There will continue to be a rampant push outside of Memphis to relocate the team. However, Bane's words prove how strong the bond between the team and the city truly is, regardless of what outside voices have to say.
Not a lot has gone right for the Grizzlies since the start of the new year, but Desmond Bane's words last night are exactly what Grizzlies fans needed to hear.