Two important rotation players are back for the Memphis Grizzlies after a losing season.
Due to a Grade 3 ankle sprain, shooting guard Desmond Bane has been sidelined for some time. Last week, Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal hinted at his impending return, which he eventually made this past weekend.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins stated, “He’s working really hard, so I envision that he’s back in the lineup in a couple games here.” Bane suffered an injury during a game against the LA Clippers on January 12 and recently returned to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
The 6’5″ shooting guard for the Grizzlies has appeared in 38 games, almost like an All-Star. Bane has averaged 24.4 points, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and a shooting split of.473/.386/.856 per game when healthy.
Cole goes on to say that Brandon Clarke, the reserve big man for the Grizzlies, is also hoping to play again in a season that Memphis has completely lost. Due to his ongoing recovery from a torn left Achilles sustained in March 2023, Clarke has not participated in any games this season. He was sidelined by the injury for the team’s final 2022–2023 run of 51–31.
Clarke reportedly started team exercises this past weekend, working out five-on-five. Before the season ends, he hopes to participate in Grizzlies games. Memphis, with a 23-45 record and a 13th-seeded position in the West, is all but out of the postseason picture. Even yet, it will be pleasant to have him return, much as it was to see Bane.
“I’m really encouraged by all the signs he’s been showing,” said Jenkins. “He’s on time. We’re hoping he’ll be wearing a Grizzlies uniform by the end of the month.”
In its first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers last spring, Memphis notably missed Clarke as well as starting center Steven Adams (who has also not played a single game this season, despite having been moved). Los Angeles pulled off an unexpected victory. Bane was willing to compete and was accessible.
The 6’8″ Clarke has proven to be a difficult opponent for rival frontcourts when fit. However, any NBA player, much less one whose game is so reliant on his athleticism, might suffer a fatal Achilles injury. The 27-year-old has averaged 10.7 points on 60.4% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals a game over his career.
Because of his general hustle and defensive moxie, the fifth-year big has become a fan favorite. I hope, after much delay, he returns.