Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane has repaid a high compliment aimed in his direction.
Desmond Bane has played a key role in three successive victories for the Memphis Grizzlies, with the Western Conference contenders turning their form around.
The highlight over these games for Bane was a 30-point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, and he had scored 35 in a loss to the Hawks a week earlier.
Desmond Bane was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, taken by the Boston Celtics. He was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, in exchange for a future pick.
Bane has been developing in Memphis ever since, playing in 68 games in his first season. Now he is fully entrenched as part of the starting line-up.
Key to Bane’s development was former Grizzlies assistant coach Darko Rajakovic, who took on the Toronto Raptors head coach job in 2023.
Following the Grizzlies recent win over the Suns, Bane was asked by Matt Infield about Darko Rajakovic referring to him as the ‘most talented player’ he had ever coached, high praise.
Bane responded: “I truly believe I wouldn’t be here having the type of career I’m having without his guidance.”
Desmond Bane has started 52 of 53 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024-25.
He has 18.7 points per game this season, which is actually a decrease on his 23.7 points the previous season, but he only played in 42 games in 2023-24.
This season Bane’s rebounds have increased to 6.2 per game from 4.4 pg last season, with his assists equal at 5.5 pg.
He has helped the Grizzlies to fourth in the Western Conference, heading towards the playoffs.
Rajakovic inherited a tougher challenge with the Raptors, who are a long way removed from their 2019 title triumph.
Toronto are now 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-43 record, equal with the 13th placed Brooklyn Nets.
