{"id":535355,"date":"2026-01-14T04:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T04:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/535355\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T04:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T04:48:13","slug":"desmond-bane-gets-100-real-about-playing-against-grizzlies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/535355\/","title":{"rendered":"Desmond Bane gets 100% real about playing against Grizzlies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orlando Magic<\/a> guard Desmond Bane<\/a> probably circled on the calendar the date of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>. Aside from battling his former team, it is extra special as the NBA scheduled it in Berlin on Thursday.<\/p>\n

The Grizzlies traded Bane to the Magic<\/a> in the offseason in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a bunch of draft picks. It was panned by experts, saying the Magic gave up too much. Bane, however, has proven that he is a solid addition<\/a>, averaging 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.<\/p>\n

One would think that the 27-year-old shooter is eager to have his revenge game against the Grizzlies for disposing of him. But it is not the case<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping it’s gonna be in Memphis. It’s still really cool, really special to be able to play against them and share a court with some friends and family. It’s very special,\u201d said Bane in a video posted by the NBA.<\/p>\n

“It’s still really cool\u2026 to be able to play against them and share a court with some friends, and family. It’s very special.”<\/p>\n

Ahead of the NBA’s first-ever regular season game in Berlin, Desmond Bane reflects on his time in Memphis, and what it’ll be like to take the court\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/WzEUFBFjWj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Bane also had a brief chat<\/a> with former teammates, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells, during Memphis’ practice.<\/p>\n

Desmond Bane reunites with his former team \ud83e\udd79<\/p>\n

Bane faces the Grizzlies for the first time at the NBA Berlin Game presented by Tissot! <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa Thursday, 2pm\/et, Prime pic.twitter.com\/6hz4HjeLO3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Bane was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 30th overall pick in 2020 but eventually landed on the Grizzlies after a three-team trade that also involved the Portland Trail Blazers. While he was largely unknown, he quickly found a role in Memphis and became a dependable two-way player.<\/p>\n

In five seasons with the Grizzlies, he averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals, helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times.<\/p>\n

The Magic and the Grizzlies are coming off wins after beating the New Orleans Pelicans and the Brooklyn Nets, respectively, on Sunday.<\/p>\n