Memphis Grizzlies swingman Desmond Bane will be back before long. Per Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, the four-year pro is “working really hard… I envision in a couple games here, he’s back in the lineup” (h/t Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole).
Bane has been out since Jan. 12 with a high ankle sprain that he sustained against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Desmond Bane Gets Exciting Injury Update
Before Bane went down with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain, he was having arguably his best season yet.
Averaging a career-high 24.4 points per game, Bane has scored at least 20 points in 26 of the 37 games that he’s been on the court. He’s scored 30 or more points in 11 games this season, including a career-high 49 points against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 6.
Meaningful Scoring Efforts
Seeing an initial increase in usage due to Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension, it might have been expected for him to put up big numbers. Nonetheless, they weren’t empty points.
The Grizzlies are 13-13 (.500) this season when Bane scores at least 20 points this season. They’re 6-5 (.545) when he scores at least 30 points. Their win percentage in these games isn’t blowing the doors off. Yet, when compared to their 24-43 record (.358) this season, Memphis was far better with Bane than without him.
Numbers aside, Bane looked the part on the court as well.
Despite a body that looks like it’s more suited for an NFL running back than an NBA wing, the former first-round pick doesn’t seek a lot of contact. Instead, Bane prefers to do his damage from long-distance, launching 3-point bombs that break down the battlements of the Grizzlies’ opponents.
Shooting (a career-low) 38.4 percent from 3 this season, he’s converted 123 of his 3-point attempts. Had he remained healthy, he would have made at least 240 3-pointers at his current pace.
Only four players have made at least 200 3-pointers this season. Of those four players, only Golden State Warriors focal point Stephen Curry has made at least 240. These numbers help put Bane’s dominance from deep into perspective.
However, they don’t illustrate his abilities attacking the rim.
Despite his underwhelming physical tools, Bane’s drives are a source of reliable offense. Utilizing pace, feel, and familiarity to canter into the lane, he’s averaging 7.1 points per game (on 52.7 percent shooting) on drives in 2023-24.
An Invaluable Asset
With a Moreyball approach to his shot-selection, Bane is particularly effective as a scorer.
That said, the NBA is a points-driven league. Bane’s offensive capabilities make him an extremely valuable player for the Grizzlies. This is enhanced by his playmaking, as Bane’s court vision and basketball IQ have led to him averaging a career-high 5.8 assists per game this season.
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