Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane provides injury update for preseason basketball camp
Kids from the Boys & Girls club swarmed around Desmond Bane as the Memphis Grizzlies guard made his appearance at his second annual “Bane’s backpack” giveaway at FedExForum. He picked up a microphone, thanked the contributing sponsors and announced that the 100 kids in attendance would get four tickets to a Grizzlies game this season.
The kids celebrated the moment he made the announcement. Putting smiles on kids' faces has been a theme of Bane’s summer. Two weeks ago, he hosted a skills academy in his hometown, Richmond, Indiana.
"That's something my grandma instilled in me at an early age," he said. "We weren't the most fortunate, but we wanted to give back to people who had even less than we did. That just became my backbone, something that I really believe in and it brings me joy."
Bane had no limitations on Thursday as he walked around and participated in games like Pop-A-Shot and posed for photos. After a summer where he has been limited because of offseason surgery on his toe, he says he is progressing well.
All signs point toward Bane being full speed when preseason begins in early October. He has been cleared to do most basketball activities outside of 5-on-5.
"I'm not quite cleared to play contact yet, but as far as working out on the court, I feel like my body is in a pretty good spot," he said.
The team dynamic will look different when the Grizzlies take the floor. Dillon Brooks is gone, and Ja Morant won’t be available for the first 25 games of the season.
Memphis will weigh several lineup options. Some include inserting one of the natural small forwards in Brooks’ vacated spot. Other options might have natural shooting guards Bane and Luke Kennard at small forward.
"I've always kind of been a guy that will play wherever I'm needed," Bane said. "Wherever Coach (Tayler Jenkins) feels like I can help the team best, I'll be ready to provide."
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At the end of Bane’s giveaway event, he posed for a group photo with all of the kids from the Boys & Girls club. Once upon a time, he was one of those kids.
Bane said he expects to continue doing giveaways and community events. Around this time next year, Bane will be starting a new contract that likely will give him a significant raise.
The Grizzlies star said he wants to continue doing the backpack giveaway, but there could be more in store.
"That's something that we'll go back to the drawing board and see what else," he said. "This will be a staple for sure, but I'm looking forward to continuing to do more and more."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies Desmond Bane gives injury update before basketball camp
