Welcome to Layup Lines, our daily NBA newsletter where we’ll prep you for a tip-off of tonight’s action, from what to watch to bets to make. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every afternoon.
If the league started over tomorrow and there was a re-draft, two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant would likely get selected before zero-time All-Star Desmond Bane.
But that is not how NBA teams are built, and in reality, so much more goes into building a roster. That’s why, in a potential trade for Durant, the Grizzlies may be unwilling to give up Bane.
Here is what Shams Charania reported earlier today (via The Athletic):
“Grizzlies executive vice president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman, the NBA’s reigning Executive of the Year, has done a masterful job building the team’s foundation around the All-NBA star Morant and a strong supporting cast while securing assets for the present and future. The Grizzlies will not include Jackson or Bane in a potential offer for Durant, sources said, but rather a package built around their bevy of draft picks.”
On paper, Durant may be a more talented player than Bane. Basketball, however, isn’t played on paper.
Bane, who is nine years younger than Durant, had a breakout season last season. He is only getting better as he continues his development on the court. The wing is an ideal fit alongside rising star Ja Morant because of his skill set as a 3-and-D role player who doesn’t require a ton of shots per game.
But he also embodies the culture of what the Grizzlies are trying to build. And, per Kleiman, that’s something that matters tremendously to this team (via Commercial Appeal):
“We’re making calls,” Kleiman said. “If there’s opportunities where we can make the team better within our culture, we’re going to be very aggressive. But we’re not just going to go out and do something just to do it.”
Memphis finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season. There is little doubt Durant would make their team better.
But would they be able to add him without sacrificing their identity, which is largely built around players like Bane? That is a different question — and one that the front office will have to reckon with as they near training camp.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
My colleague wrote about Stephen Curry, who won his first-ever NBA Finals MVP in 2022. Here is what he had to say:
“What I think most people miss about Curry is how much of an absolute savage he is. And he’s also not afraid to let you know that he’s better than you or that he’s going to beat you. It’s why we saw him put a ring on it in the middle of the NBA Finals.
The internet got another glimpse at just how savage Curry is on Friday.
NBA writer Joe Viray was reviewing playoff tape in preparation for next season when he stumbled upon this clip of Curry against the Nuggets. He noticed Curry did his now infamous “night night” gesture before he went right at Nikola Jokic on defense to close the game out.
He blows by him out of the pick and roll, makes the layup and does the gesture again. Like I said, dude is a savage.”
Curry isn’t just a good shooter. He’s also an incredible celebrator.
Shootaround
— Explaining why Toronto’s only draft pick, Christian Koloko, is unsigned
— Bryce James’ first D-I collegiate offer has a backstory that dates back to when LeBron was just 10 years old
— Rookie Wire ranks every team by future draft picks, from least to most
— HoopsHype ranks the top 25 power forwards for next season