Frogs in the Pros: The Main Man in Memphis

Desmond Bane continues to have a tremendous 2023/24 season

In his 4th season in the NBA, Desmond Bane is having a season to remember. While this season has been special, statistically speaking, it is his leadership and perseverance that continues to catch the eye of many.

Heading into the 2023/24 season, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was dealt a 25-game suspension. With the hefty suspension, Bane was called upon and has answered it to say the least.

Dec 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Through 27 games, Bane leads the Grizzlies in points, assists, steals, and minutes played. Averaging 25.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds, Bane continues to be the undeniable leader of this Grizzlies team. His 24.7 points and 34.4 minutes are the most he has averaged in his four seasons. Bane continues to be one of the most efficient shooters in the league, shooting 46.3% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc.

Bane had a tremendous start to the month of December, putting up 30 points in a 108-94 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 1. After sinking 27 points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, Bane broke out for a career game against the mightily struggling Detroit Pistons on Dec. 6.

Dec 1, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Bane posted 49 points in a 116-102 victory, securing the Grizzlies’ sixth win of the season. He shot an efficient 61.3% (19 for 31) from the field and 50% (4 for 8) from 3-point range. Leading the team with eight assists, it was a career performance for the former TCU Horned Frog.

With Morant having returned from his suspension, it is expected that Bane will revert to a more complementary role as he has in previous seasons. But in the last three games with Morant back on the court, Bane has averaged 29.7 points and 5.7 assists per game. Most notable, Bane’s 37 points in Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks led the Grizzlies to a 125-119 victory.

Dec 21, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) reacts with guard Ja Morant (12) during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Bane’s growth is undeniable. While he has played complimentary basketball for the last three seasons, he was forced to take the reins and lead a depleted Grizzlies team through a hard-nosed Western Conference. Despite sitting at 9-19, the Grizzlies will look to take and make as many positives in the remaining portion of the season.

We’ve seen what Bane and Morant can produce when playing together–who says they can’t turn things around?

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