We Got Next: A closer look at the NBA’s 5 newest stars

NBA: Desmond Bane – Memphis Grizzlies

After spending four seasons at TCU, shooting guard Desmond Bane entered the NBA ready to contribute at the pro level. After his rookie season, his 9.2 points per game average and 43.2 percent 3-point shooting earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team.
Bane took a big step forward last season, upping his production to 18.2 points per game during the regular season.

Even more impressive was his consistency during the Memphis Grizzlies’ twelve playoff contests, where he averaged 18.8 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from 3-point range. This led his teammate Ja Morant, who was given last season’s Most Improved Player Award, to say that Desmond Bane was the one who was truly deserving of the acknowledgment.

If Bane had maintained last season’s level of productivity, that would be enough to maintain the respect that he has garnered across the league. However, instead of being complacent, Bane has become even more lethal this year. So far, he is averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting a blistering 45.1 percent from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies are on pace to enjoy a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and Bane’s improved play is a big part of the reason why.

Throughout NBA history, championship teams have normally consisted of a superstar who has a trusted All-Star caliber player by his side whom he fully trusts. The Grizzlies found their superstar when they drafted Ja Morant in 2019. It turns out, they may have found that all-important second piece to the puzzle when they obtained Bane the very next year.