Here are 5 Memphis Grizzlies players who could fill Desmond Bane's vacated spot
For the Memphis Grizzlies, most of the roster management heavy lifting is done.
They achieved a major trade in shipping out Desmond Bane, then made a strong move in free agency by acquiring former NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome.
A three-man draft class added roster depth, so now it’s time to fit the puzzle pieces together, and first-year Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has his work cut out for him. Memphis likely will use a 10-man rotation, but several players can make a case for a role within that group.
Injuries to Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. could make that decision easier early in the season, but when they return, Iisalo will have tough choices.
Jackson, Edey, Jaylen Wells and Ja Morant are all projected to be starters when healthy. That leaves one spot, recently vacated by Bane.
Here are five names to watch in the race for that opening.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is undoubtedly the favorite to replace Bane. The veteran has been a starter on two championship teams (Lakers, Nuggets). His defense, combined with his fearlessness as a shooter, could give him the first crack.
GG Jackson
If replacing Bane’s scoring is a problem, GG Jackson may be the best option. The third-year forward put together an encouraging summer league performance. He is gradually adjusting to the NBA, and Memphis has been patient with his progress. His ceiling as a scorer and his natural athleticism bode well to start alongside Wells and Morant.
Vince Williams Jr.
Maybe he has become the forgotten man of the offseason. Vince Williams Jr. was a fan favorite entering last season before injuries zapped him of his best attributes. Foot and ankle injuries affected him Williams defensively, and that’s where he made a name for himself. If he gets back to being an effective wing capable of knocking down 3-pointers and clamping down opposing perimeter players, don’t count him out.
Cedric Coward
Could the Grizzlies do it again? Would they start a rookie one season after starting two? With Cedric Coward, it’s possible.
Memphis loves his defensive potential, and Coward — who did not play during summer league ball as he rehabs his shoulder — already has a natural understanding on why his defense will be important. Right now, he is like the mythical Bigfoot. Everyone is waiting to see if he can live up to the hype.
Scotty Pippen Jr.
Scotty Pippen Jr. is a bit of a wild card, but it’s certainly possible. The Grizzlies need someone who can guard and score. Those two traits just so happen to be his best.
Pippen recently said he believes he can fill a role similar to what Bane had. The addition of Jerome also makes this more plausible. He’ll be able to play backup point guard if Pippen and Morant are both starting.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.