(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled mightily to start the season.
Injuries have hurt the team badly, and Ja Morant’s suspension has only made it tougher for Taylor Jenkins’ group.
But as usually happens when a player is out, someone has made the most of every expanded opportunity.
This time, it’s been Desmond Bane, who’s posting career highs all over the board.
As pointed out by StatMuse, the combo guard is putting up averages of 26.5 points, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 3.5 three-pointers per game on 45/35/83 from the floor.
Desmond Bane this season:
26.5 PPG*
4.5 APG*
1.6 SPG*
1.0 BPG*
3.5 3PM*
45/35/83%
*All career-highs. https://t.co/3n0eps6iXa
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 14, 2023
The Grizzlies knew that they would have to rely heavily upon Bane this season.
Dillon Brooks was gone and Morant would miss the first 25 games of the year, so it was up to him to pick up the slack, and he hasn’t disappointed since signing that five-year contract extension.
The former No. 30 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft has exceeded all expectations and has established himself as one of the best players in his class.
He was coming off a career-best season and is now posting All-Star-caliber numbers, which may only go up with Morant’s playmaking and all the defensive attention he draws.
The Grizzlies are 2-8 through the first 10 games of the season and currently sit at the 15th spot in the Western Conference.
Still, they’re expected to be back into the mix as soon as they get their best player back.
Morant was suspended 25 games for multiple violations to the league’s conduct policy, and the team now hopes he stays locked in and focused when he gets back.
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