Often, when a team is amongst the league leaders in points scored and offensive rating, you would be under the impression they don’t struggle to get high-quality shots possession to possession. For the Grizzlies, though, their NBA’s eighth-ranked field goal percentage through Nov. 21st tells a slightly different story. Shockingly so, off-guard Desmond Bane hasn’t had the same valuable production as seasons past. The void of franchise star Ja Morant early on has played a factor. The constant reshuffling of the rotation has more than likely played a factor in Bane’s struggle to maintain a consistent scoring rhythm as well. Let’s explore potential pathways for Desmond Bane’s scoring prowess to unleash a Grizzlies offense that will benefit from it.
How a Desmond Bane Scoring Fury Can Fully Unlock Grizzlies’ Half-Court Offense
Desmond Bane has eclipsed 20 points on just three separate occasions this season. In only one of those contests, he did so on at least 50% shooting or greater from the field. The fifth-year NBA vet has contributed solidly in other game phases to make up for his in-the-balance shooting. His ancillary roles as a playmaker and defender are nothing to slouch about. The Grizzlies have been one of the more selfless teams this season, and he remains one of the focal points of the offense. However, Bane’s 32.8% shooting from the three-point line is on pace to be a career-low.
Fly By King Spots
Bane has generated 29 pick-and-roll possessions as the main ball handler this season. In those 29 possessions, Bane has yet to draw a foul but is shooting just 39.1% from the field. Not only is Grizzlies’ big man Jaren Jackson Jr. averaging a career-high in points per game (22.9), but he’s also shooting a career-high 61% on two-point field goals.
Until Morant returns, you can imagine Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins optimizing more of a two-man game between his franchise cornerstones may restore Bane’s overall scoring efficiency. Bane absorbs contact well in the paint and doesn’t shy away from defenders on the drive. The Memphis Grizzlies rank 17th in three-point percentage. Bane, without a doubt, is a key player who stretches defenses and creates additional driving lanes toward the rack for teammates. His willingness to find the open man with his understated playmaking opens up his own offense as well.
Bane’s Scoring Roles
The reason why Bane’s production last season was so awe-inspiring amidst the derailed depth was because of his ability to expand his game in different areas. His adaptability to Jenkins’ rotation personnel is a testament to all the different roles Bane can thrive in. Grizzlies’ guards Marcus Smart and Scotty Pippen Jr. are competent enough floor generals to get Bane the ball in ideal spots. Bane comes off screens very efficiently and, by default, will be chased off the three-point line by opponents. The former TCU guard is always a threat in dribble handling offsets. His constant movement and gravity add immense fluidity to the Grizzlies half-court offense.
Bane is a career 41% three-point shooter. That’s why it’s puzzling as to why he’s yet to find a great shooting rhythm. Even with improved efficiency over this next stretch of Grizzlies basketball, we won’t truly see Bane at his absolute peak this season until Morant returns. The Grizzlies’ star backcourt have only graced the floor together on only four occasions this regular season. It’s still very encouraging Memphis is still able to scrap together W’s as Bane gets up to speed.
