Memphis Grizzlies: Rookie reviews at the one-month mark
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane has come into the league as a lights-out shooter. Bane currently sits at an absurd 48.9 percent from three on 3.6 attempts per game but it gets better, he has shot 52.9 percent on catch and shoot 3’s this season on 2.9 attempts per game.
The 30th pick in the draft isn’t just a specialist either, Bane has showcased he can run the pick and roll (especially with Morant out or with the bench unit) and has been an aggressive shot-creator. Also, he’s been a productive playmaker with 1.1 assists per game so far.
Bane is a 6’6” guard and uses his frame and strength to protect the ball as he finishes — reminiscent of a young Eric Gordon, without the explosive athleticism. And Bane is not shy when it comes to taking mid-range shots out of the pick and roll.
The thing that has been the most interesting is Bane’s defense. We knew coming from college Bane would be a good shooter, (career 43.0 percent in college) and that has most certainly translated. But the defensive capabilities against NBA players is a different game compared to college players.
It hasn’t been on complete display yet, as Dillon Brooks is the Grizzlies’ best perimeter defender and has taken the tougher assignments this season.
But with what we have seen Bane has shown that he’s more than capable as a defender already. That’s only going off a 13-game sample in his rookie season, so going forward Bane will only get better.
The only concerns about Bane’s defense come from his struggles to navigate screens and occasionally getting lost off the ball, however, they’re just small nitpicks in a rookie’s already impressive defensive resume.
Bane going forward at worst is a starting level 3-and-D player for the Grizzlies and at best looks like more efficiently scoring Dillon Brooks, the ceiling isn’t an All-Star level player but highly competent wings in the NBA are a hot commodity.
Going down only five selections in the 2020 Draft lands us at Xavier Tillman Sr. What has been impressive with Tillman so far? and what is his future with the Grizzlies?