Memphis is looking for lieutenants for Desmond Bane

A scratch in the Western Conference over the last two seasons, Memphis has seen its nuisance force considerably reduced, primarily by the suspension of Ja Morant, the departure of Dillon Brooks, but also the physical concerns with Brandon Clarke’s long-term injuries. and Steven Adams.

Results: the Grizzlies are last in their conference with only one win in eight games. Taylor Jenkins’ squad is not lacking in talent, notably with the arrival of Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, but it has lost versatility in attack, and this is more than visible at the start of the season.

For now, it is Desmond Bane who inherits the main offensive responsibilities, and he does his best. Except that the situation is now turning against him since the back of the Grizzlies is more and more targeted, like during the last match against Miami, where he returned a poor 4/16 shooting after colliding with Jimmy Butler. A situation that Memphis will have to remedy, while the person concerned tries to see the positive.

“It’s very good for my development. It’s an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if Ja was here and healthy. It’s an opportunity for me to evolve and continue to improve.”he assured.

Shooters must step out of their role

Among the potential options to support him, there is first Jaren Jackson Jr, who scored 28 points on Wednesday but who is still struggling to establish himself as a second offensive option on a regular basis. The other alternatives can be located outside, between Marcus Smart of course but also Luke Kennard.

“We have to keep fighting, finding ways to get the ball to Desmond Bane,” hammered Marcus Smart. “ He will find a way to get the ball and create space for his teammates. When they are very high on you, you have to find a way to turn into a screen setter, to put your teammates in place. At the end of the day, it can open up situations for you, because you allow others to open up to the basket.”

The other shooters must also play their role as an external threat to weigh on the opposing defense and therefore generate space, but not only that. They must also take part in creation.

Luke Kennard will thus try to apply the advice of Marcus Smart, he who had a good first quarter against Miami before disappearing from traffic. Rather than staying away waiting his turn, the former Clippers player will therefore get his hands more dirty.

“I surprised myself by staying a little away,” did he declare. “For me, as a shooter, being a good screen setter will be key when they try to take me out of our offensive systems. So I have to set good screens, move, cut and be active. On the offensive side, it can create more space than you think.”

What is certain is that everyone will have to do a little more to allow Memphis to get back on track. Because the return of Ja Morant is not yet imminent.