Herrington: In new system, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane could become a more blended backcourt
Memphis Grizzlies teammates Ja Morant (left) and Desmond Bane (in a Jan. 3 file photo) have emerged as a kind of platonic ideal of what a great NBA backcourt should be. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington has covered the Memphis Grizzlies, in one way or another, since the franchise’s second season in Memphis, while also writing about music, movies, food and civic life. As far as he knows, he’s the only member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association who is also a member of a film critics group and has also voted in national music critic polls for Rolling Stone and the Village Voice (RIP). He and his wife have two kids and, for reasons that sometimes elude him, three dogs.
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 OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
Your subscription gives you unlimited access to all of The Daily Memphian’s news, written by nearly 40 local journalists and more than 20 regular freelancers. We work around the clock to cover the issues that impact your life and our community.
You can help us reach more Memphians.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide free news access at K-12 schools, public libraries and many community organizations. We also reach tens of thousands of people through our podcasts, and through our radio and television partnerships – all completely free to everyone who cares about Memphis.
When you subscribe, you get full access to our news. But when you donate, you help us reach all Memphians.
Pay it forward. Make a fully tax-deductible donation to The Daily Memphian today.
Thank you for reading the local news. Thank you for investing in our community.
Chris Herrington on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Chris Herrington's stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Grizzlies podcast: How much better did Memphis get this summer?
Did the Grizzlies do all they could to get better this offseason? Drew Hill and Chris Herrington look back before looking ahead to October.
Grizzlies Insider: Memphis can pocket roster spot, wait and see
Here’s why it could pay to procrastinate in filling the Grizzlies’ one opening.
Grizzlies Insider: Is the third time the charm for Jake LaRavia?
With GG Jackson out until at least December, Jake LaRavia may have a clear path to opening night rotation minutes for the third straight season.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.