With Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot) expected to make his return on Tuesday night, things were looking up for the 9-5 Grizzlies, who are currently 4th in the West.
Unfortunately, it’ll be a bit longer before we see Memphis at full strength. Desmond Bane was diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain in his right big toe and is set to be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks, according to an announcement from the team.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update. pic.twitter.com/DfuU5SEULL
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) November 15, 2022
Bane had been playing at an All-Star level so far this season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.8 threes per game, which is 5th in the league. The third year guard out of TCU got off to a slow start to the season, but he’s more than proven his ability to be the second option behind Ja Morant over the past few weeks, if that was even in question.
For most teams, this would be seen as a big blow. While Memphis will certainly miss him, they’ve shown that they truly embody the “next man up” mentality. They went 20-5 without Ja Morant last season. They’re off to a solid start without Jackson Jr. this year.
Bane was sidelined on Sunday when the Grizzlies played the Wizards, and John Konchar started in his place. Konchar was solid to start the year as a starter when Dillon Brooks was out, and he should be serviceable over the next few weeks without Bane. David Roddy also played a large role off the bench, so Taylor Jenkins has a lot of options to help make up for the loss of one of the best young shooting guards in the league.
