NBA Season Preview 2022-23: 5 players most likely to be first-time All-Stars
By Ian Levy
2. Desmond Bane, Guard, Memphis Grizzlies
Bane was a revelation last season, averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting an eye-popping 43.6 percent from beyond the arc. He’s already one of the most dangerous outside shooters in the league and appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential as a complementary creator next to Ja Morant.
Heading into his third season, Bane may have the opportunity to should an even larger scoring and creation load with Danny Green in place of De’Anthony Melton and Jaren Jackson Jr. likely to miss the beginning of the season as he recovers from foot surgery. Two guards from last year’s All-Star team have moved from the West to the East (Dejounte Murray and Donovan Mitchell) and Bane could also benefit from any age-related decline from Damian Lillard or Chris Paul. However, it may be difficult for him to make his way past the No. 1 name on this list.