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Herrington: In new system, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane could become a more blended backcourt

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 04, 2024 4:00 AM CT | Published: October 04, 2024 4:00 AM CT
Chris Herrington
Daily Memphian

Chris Herrington

Chris Herrington covers the Memphis Grizzlies and writes about Memphis culture, food, and civic life. 

NASHVILLE — The coming Memphis Grizzlies season can be framed as a potential Ja Morant redemption tour.

The final arc of the hero’s quest is there to be had: That, having suffered through the twin ordeals of infamy and injury, Morant achieves the rewards of self-knowledge and inner peace, trods the road to resurrection (clad in some magic sneakers, natch), returning home something newer and better. 

Let’s hope. 

But basketball is a team sport and, in basketball terms, if the Grizzlies reach the apex of their own journey, it will be with Morant leading the team, not dragging it behind him. 

Morant’s tripart bid to battle the likes of Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Oklahoma City’s Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, New York’s Jalen Brunson and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, varyingly, for titles such as Most Exciting Player, Best Young American Player and Best True Point Guard are compelling and meaningful subplots.

But there are levels to the game, and even achieving one or all of the above is no guarantee of team success.

Topics

Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant Desmond Bane Subscriber Only

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