Memphis Grizzlies
Desmond Bane
Over the past few years, Ja Morant has completely changed the outlook for the Memphis Grizzlies. They’re considered one of the better teams year in and year out in large part due to his contributions to the team. And it’s easy to see how everything has been thrown off by his absence. That said, the Grizzlies should also be grateful for how important Desmond Bane has been to the team.
Even though the start of the season hasn’t been what the Grizzlies hoped it would be, Bane is the one player who has consistently been good for the team. And when Morant does make his return, he’s going to be the exact supporting star that he needs to help the team right the ship.
Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo
Jimmy Butler generally gets all the love for the Miami Heat’s recent success. However, I’d argue that the Heat doesn’t accomplish everything it has over the past few seasons without the emergence of Bam Adebayo. He’s consistently one of the best defenders in the NBA even if there’s no unanimous recognition of it and has been arguably the Heat’s best offensive player too this season.
The Heat are in good hands moving forward not because of Pat Riley or Jimmy, but because of Bam.