memmwallace

MEMPHIS – In charting his growth as a team leader and budding NBA standout, incremental progress would be one of the last terms to describe Desmond Bane’s ascent.

So as the Grizzlies’ breakout guard winds down the summer of his third NBA season, it’s only fitting that Bane is embracing the task of taking another big leap – in life and in basketball.

Juggling changes on both fronts has kept Bane busy coming off a breakout season when he helped Memphis post a franchise-record 56 victories, win a postseason series for the first time since 2015 and push eventual NBA champion Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals.

“Basketball is the main thing – that never stops,” Bane said of his mindset seven weeks out from the start of NBA training camps. “It’s my kid, camps (and) community events. But basketball is always the main thing. As long as I keep that the main thing, everything else falls into place. I’m definitely going to continue to grow and make another jump for sure.”

When it comes to Bane’s impact off the court, significant leaps have already been made.

Last month, Bane shared photos and messages on social media of his newborn son as a proud father for the first time. The 24-year-old sharpshooter wrapped up July by hosting a free youth basketball clinic and community picnic in his native Richmond, Indiana.

And those wide-ranging outreach efforts continued this week in Memphis as Bane opened August with a back-to-school backpack giveaway at FedExForum that benefited 150 kids. In words and deeds, Bane is as committed to expanding his outreach for worthy community causes as he is determined to improve almost every aspect of his rapidly developing game.

Fatherhood has added another layer of maturity to a young man who already conducted himself with poise and class well beyond his years. And as his profile blossoms as one of the NBA’s top young shooters, Bane is grateful to redirect some of that spotlight and attention onto growing his base of sponsors and business partners he’s aligned with for his charitable causes.

“The visibility is what it is, but I do this out of the goodness of my heart, regardless of being an end-of-the-bench guy or the best player on the team,” Bane said of his outreach, with Shelby County Schools set to open Monday. “I want to do things like this, bring smiles to kids’ faces, the best way I can. Especially in an area like Memphis, it’s essential for kids to get some excitement going into the school year, to get the proper materials. I remember going school shopping as a kid and some things you have, some things you don’t. But we’ll be able to supply them with the necessary things to get started.”

The Grizzlies have a long and strong Indiana-to-Memphis pipeline of guys who have endeared themselves to this community with their play as well as their personal philanthropic touch.

Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, both with Indiana roots, were deeply embedded in this community as they drove the Grizzlies to seven consecutive playoff seasons during the Grit’N’Grind era. Randolph’s retired No. 50 sits high above FedExForum and he now serves as a franchise ambassador. The Grizzlies have also committed to retiring Conley’s No. 11 eventually.

Bane, however, only needs to look across his current locker room to find a teammate who’s traveled a similar pathway. Grizzlies star forward and fellow Indiana native Jaren Jackson Jr. has been instrumental since arriving in Memphis four years ago in the development of community voting initiatives as well as girls’ athletics and fitness programs.

Bane is already firmly following in some phenomenal footsteps as a person and player. His next goal is to partner with more of his current teammates to give back in even more ways throughout the region and across some of his colleagues’ hometowns.

“Just get out in the community, hang out and chill – bring people together,” Bane said of his motivation, especially coming out of a global pandemic that limited such gatherings. “I’ve talked to a few of my teammates about eventually doing some things together. Memphis being the place where I play, and Richmond, Indiana being the place where I grew up, those will be the two places that hit home the most. Anything on top of that is a cherry on top.”

Building on a sweet season on the court is the next task at hand.

Bane, Jackson and All-NBA point guard Ja Morant anchor a chore group that returns largely intact from a team that was one of the league’s most improved squads last season. The Grizzlies have advanced a step farther in the postseason in each of coach Taylor Jenkins’ three seasons in Memphis. They’ve re-signed point guard Tyus Jones in free agency and added four players, including first-round picks in forwards Jake LaRavia and David Roddy, in June’s draft.

Fulfilling his role as a young veteran, Bane hosted the rookies at his Memphis home when they arrived in town after the draft to prepare for NBA summer league action. He’s also taken on more of a mentoring and workout role with forward Ziaire Williams, last year’s lottery pick.

As far as boosting his own game, Bane knows he’ll need to come back even better and stronger to deal with the increased attention he’s certain to attract from opposing teams this time around.

Bane set a franchise record with 271 made 3-pointers, doubled his scoring from his rookie season to 18.2 points a game last season and shot 43.6-percent from beyond the arc. He was also third among all players in 3-pointers made per game during the playoffs.

Playing alongside Morant, Bane is confident the Grizzlies will again boast one of the most productive backcourts in the league. But the ultimate goal is team success and returning to the playoffs for a third straight season to make a deeper run.

“That was some of the most fun basketball I’ve had since I was a kid,” Bane insisted of last year’s playoff performance. “The regular season was extremely important for us, but we’re trying to make some more noise in the playoffs. You look at the best teams, Golden State and the top teams across the league that have been able to build something over a long period of time – that’s part of our journey. We’ve got to the playoffs the last two years, and we’re surrounding that core with the right pieces. The sky is the limit.”

While reaching for the sky with his team, Bane is eager to stay grounded in community work.

“There’s a lot of blue-collar people here trying to make something of themselves,” Bane insists.

Considering his work ethic on and off the court, count Bane among them.

The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Memphis Grizzlies. All opinions expressed by Michael Wallace are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Memphis Grizzlies or its Basketball Operations staff, owners, parent companies, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Memphis Grizzlies and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.

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MikeCheck: On the court and in community, Bane embraces next big steps with Grizzlies

Includes Presenting Entitlement to Caesars Sportsbook Lounge Inside FedExForum and Grind City Media Integrations

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies and Caesars Sportsbook today announced the details of their multi-year marketing partnership. As an Official Sports Betting Partner of the Memphis Grizzlies, Caesars Sportsbook will assume the presenting entitlement to the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge within FedExForum as well as leverage the Grizzlies’ digital footprint, including social media, web and mobile applications.

The Caesars Sportsbook and Grizzlies partnership will build on the digital footprint created by both brands and will be anchored to some of the most popular digital and broadcast programs offered by the Grizzlies and Grind City Media, an on-demand media platform and digital content studio. Caesars Sportsbook will become the presenting partner for several GCM shows, including the Chris Vernon Show, a daily sports and entertainment show hosted by Grind City Media’s Chris Vernon. In addition, Caesars will become with presenting partner for the Odds Couple, a sports betting show breaking down the best matchups in college football, NFL, college basketball and more including betting lines, favorites and guest interviews hosted by Grind City Media’s Rob Fischer and Lang Whitaker along with Jon Roser &amp; CJ Hurt. Caesars Sportsbook is also set to become the official advertising partner of the GCM Podcast Network with advertising inclusion on all GCM Podcasts.

Fans can visit the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge to experience a unique, sports-bar type atmosphere within FedExForum as well as enjoy the Caesars Sportsbook app. Caesars Sportsbook Lounge is open on all FedExForum live event days throughout the year and is also available for private events.

“We are thrilled to partner with Caesars Sportsbook, one of the biggest names in sports and entertainment,” said Memphis Grizzlies President Jason Wexler. “The alignment of Caesars Sportsbook with Grind City Media digital shows, content and features will enhance our continued development and execution of best in class content for all of sports fans to enjoy. We also look forward to the opportunity to welcome our fans to FedExForum to visit the newly rebranded Caesars Lounge to watch their favorite sports programming or for hosting a private event.”

“The Memphis Grizzlies are an exciting young NBA team, and it’s great to announce this partnership ahead of what should be a special season for the franchise,” said Chris Holdren, Co-President of Caesars Digital. “Tennessee is an important state for us, filled with passionate sports fans. We embrace the chance to strengthen our connection in the Memphis area through the legacy of our nearby resort, Horseshoe Tunica. This collaboration allows us to engage more sports fans while bringing them experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”

For more information on the Grizzlies, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow @memgrizz on Twitter and Instagram.

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Memphis Grizzlies and Caesars Sportsbook announce details of multi-year marketing partnership

Grizzlies.com/GrizzVotes Remains a Resource of Information on the Upcoming Election; CommUNITY Conversation: Local Elections Matter Now Viewable on Grizzlies YouTube Channel

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies #GrizzVotes Voter Education Program ramps up this weekend with the goal of encouraging and supporting Memphis and Shelby County voters. #GrizzVotes is the Grizzlies’ voter education program that focuses on the entire voting process, including voter&nbsp;registration, the act of voting (early, absentee and in-person on Election Day), getting educated on candidates and serving the community as Poll Workers.&nbsp; Community programming and access to information and key dates remains core to #GrizzVotes efforts.

Fans and voters are encouraged to visit grizzlies.com/grizzvotes, an online resource that helps voters check their eligibility, learn how to become a poll official and find their local polling location for the upcoming elections. Voters will also be able to find a complete list of key dates and deadlines for local, state and federal elections.

Grizz Nation is encouraged to tune in to the Memphis Grizzlies YouTube Channel for the latest episode of CommUNITY Conversations: Local Elections Matter. This latest installment is a conversation focusing on educating, engaging and empowering voters for the upcoming local elections in the Mid-South.&nbsp; The panel is moderated by Jerrita Patterson and features NAACP Memphis Chapter President Van Turner, Just City Court Watch Coordinator Yonee Gibson and Memphis Bar Association President Tannera Gibson. &nbsp;&nbsp;

VOTER APPRECIATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY

Additional community programming by the Grizzlies includes taking over local street corners with #GrizzVotes Street Corners* on July 29 and August 4 to thank and encourage those acting on their civic duty during the upcoming election cycle. #GrizzVotes Street Corners are subject to weather.

#GrizzVotes, which launched in July 2020, is the Grizzlies’ voter education program that focuses on five themes throughout the voting process, including voter&nbsp;Registration, voting via&nbsp;Absentee Ballot, In-Person Voting&nbsp;early or on Election Day, being an educated voter to Know Your Candidates, and a call for&nbsp;Poll Workers.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on Grizz Votes visit grizzlies.com/grizzvotes or follow Grizzlies Community on Twitter and Instagram (@grizzcommunity).

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#GrizzVotes reminds Memphis Grizzlies fans that their vote matters in this election season

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team signed wing John Konchar to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Konchar (6-4 ¾, 210) appeared in 72 games (seven starts) last season, his third with the Grizzlies, and averaged 4.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 17.9 minutes while shooting 51.5% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range. The 26-year-old recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists on April 10 vs. Boston.

Unselected in the 2019 NBA Draft following a four-year collegiate career at Fort Wayne, Konchar signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on July 8, 2019, and re-signed to a multi-year contract on Nov. 22, 2020. The Chicago native has competed in 134 games (seven starts) during his three-year NBA career and has averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 15.3 minutes while shooting 52.2% from the field and 40.6% from 3-point range for the Grizzlies.

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Memphis Grizzlies sign John Konchar to multi-year extension

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the team’s 15-player roster for NBA 2K23 Summer League 2022. The event will be held from July 7-17 at the Thomas &amp; Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. The full roster is below.

Memphis will tip-off against the Los Angeles Clippers at 8:30 p.m. (all times CT) on Saturday, July 9, at Cox Pavilion. The game will be televised on NBA TV. The Grizzlies’ schedule also features matchups with the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 10 (ESPNU), Brooklyn Nets at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12 (ESPN2), and Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 (NBA TV).

The 17th NBA 2K23 Summer League will feature all 30 NBA teams playing five games each. After every team plays four games between July 7-15, the two teams with the best records from the first four games will meet in the Championship Game at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, on ESPN. The 28 teams that do not play in the Championship Game will play a fifth game on July 16 or July 17.

All 75 games of the 11-day competition will air live on television on ESPN networks or NBA TV. Games also will be available to stream on ESPN+ and the ESPN App. Tickets for NBA 2K23 Summer League 2022 are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NBAEvents.com. For the most up-to-date and exclusive coverage of the Grizzlies’ participation in NBA 2K23 Summer League 2022, Grizzlies fans are encouraged to visit grizzlies.com for Grind City Media coverage. Grind City Media will provide exclusive video and daily podcasts and analysis throughout both summer leagues. For more information, visit at grizzlies.com or GrindCityMedia.com, like Grind City Media on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@GrindCityMedia).

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Memphis Grizzlies announce NBA 2K23 Summer League 2022 roster

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the team signed 2022 second round draft pick, guard Kennedy Chandler, to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A Memphis native, Chandler (6-0, 171) was acquired by the Grizzlies with the No. 38 overall pick pursuant to a draft-night trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The 19-year-old guided the Volunteers to the 2022 SEC Tournament championship last season and became the second player in program history to be named the SEC Tournament MVP, joining Allan Houston (1991).

Chandler started all 34 of his appearances for Tennessee and averaged 13.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.18 steals in 30.8 minutes while shooting 46.4% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range. He ranked second in the SEC in steals. He was named to the All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team last season.

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Memphis Grizzlies sign Kennedy Chandler to multi-year contract

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team re-signed guard Tyus Jones to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jones (6-0 ¼, 196) appeared in 73 games (23 starts) last season, his third with the Grizzlies, and averaged a career-high 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 21.2 minutes while shooting 45.1% from the field, a career-best 39.0% from 3-point range and 81.8% from the free throw line. Jones set single-season career highs for field goals made (249) and 3-pointers made (80).

The 26-year-old established a new NBA single-season record with a 7.04 assist-to-turnover ratio last season, eclipsing the previous league record (6.96) he set during the 2018-19 season. Jones has led all qualified players in this category for each of the last four seasons, tying Chris Paul (2012-16) for the longest such streak in NBA history.

A native of Minneapolis, Jones has competed in 208 games (38 starts) for Memphis and has averaged 7.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 19.2 minutes since signing with the Grizzlies as a free agent on July 7, 2019. He has helped guide Memphis to the NBA Playoffs in each of the past two seasons and helped the Grizzlies record the second-best record in the NBA (56-26), tying a franchise record, last season.

Selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Jones has competed in 455 games (72 starts) and has averaged 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18.4 minutes with the Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves. He led Duke to the 2015 NCAA championship as a freshman.

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Memphis Grizzlies re-sign Tyus Jones to multi-year contract

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team signed guard Ja Morant to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Morant (6-2 ½, 174) averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.16 steals in 33.1 minutes in 57 games (all starts) last season and helped guide the Grizzlies to the second-best record in the NBA during the regular season (56-26), which tied the single-season franchise record, and the Southwest Division championship, the first division title in franchise history.

The 22-year-old was selected to the 2021-22 All-NBA Second Team and was named the 2021-22 NBA Most Improved Player following his third NBA season, during which he was voted by fans as a starter for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, his first All-Star appearance. He joined Marc Gasol as the only players in franchise history to receive at least All-NBA Second Team honors and Gasol as the only players to be named a starter in the All-Star Game.

Morant, who became the first guard to lead the NBA in points in the paint per game (16.6 points) since play-by-play data was first tracked in 1996-97, became the first player in franchise history to win consecutive Western Conference Player of the Week Awards, earning the first two weekly honors of his NBA career on Jan. 3 and Jan. 10 in the midst of a franchise-record 11-game winning streak (Dec. 26-Jan. 13).

The South Carolina native recorded a single-game franchise record with 52 points on Feb. 28 vs. San Antonio, one of his six performances with at least 40 points last season (a single-season franchise record).

During the 2022 Playoffs, Morant averaged 27.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists in 37.6 minutes to help lead Memphis to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2015.

Morant was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie First Team after he was selected by Memphis with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He has started all of his 187 appearances over three seasons with the Grizzlies and has averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 32.2 minutes. He holds career postseason averages of 28.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 38.6 minutes.

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Memphis Grizzlies sign Ja Morant to multi-year extension

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