The hits keep on coming for the Memphis Grizzlies. Already without Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies will now have to play without Desmond Bane.
Memphis announced on January 14 that Bane will miss six weeks with an ankle injury.
Ban sprained his left ankle on January 12 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Grizzlies, who are 14-25, are well on their way to missing the playoffs this season.
Bane is averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 47.4% from the field, 38.4% from beyond the arc and 86.4% from the free-throw line. He has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA.
The Grizzlies signed Bane to a five-year, $197 million rookie scale contract extension in July. The extension kicks in next season. Bane will make $34 million in 2024-25.
It’s been a tough season for the Grizzlies injury-wise. Morant, who missed the first 25 games of the season due to a suspension, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last week. Smart, who was acquired by the Grizzlies from the Boston Celtics last offseason, will miss approximately six weeks with a severe right ring finger injury.
Rose has only played in 17 games this season, Adams was ruled out for the season before the campaign started due to knee surgery and Clarke is still recovering from an Achilles tear.
Bane has career averages of 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Grizzlies.
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