Desmond Bane is setting the record straight. The former Memphis Grizzlies star recently addressed misconceptions about his former city in a candid podcast appearance. Amid growing concerns around Memphis’ reputation, Bane confidently delivered a refreshing perspective, emphasizing that the city’s sense of love and community far outweighs its negative portrayal.
With some questioning whether players would avoid the Memphis Grizzlies because of safety concerns, Bane offered a strong rebuttal. His time in Memphis as a player and a community supporter gave him a deeper understanding of the city. His opinion challenges the focus on crime and violence, showing a fuller, more positive side of the city.
“I think all that is just false,” Bane stated. “Once you get to Memphis and you learn Memphis and you know Memphis, there’s a lot of love in that city.” While he recognized that Memphis has its issues, he explained that every city has challenging phases. His time in Memphis was not just about basketball; he built strong ties with the community, supported local youth camps, and showed his true dedication to the city’s people.
"I think all that is just false … Once you get to Memphis and you learn Memphis and you know Memphis, there's a lot of love in that city." — Desmond Bane on comments about players feeling unsafe in Memphis 🚨 NEW YM3 DROPS TOMORROW 🚨 pic.twitter.com/gxJvlO9vg3
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) June 19, 2025
As Bane prepares for his first season with the Orlando Magic, his connections to his former team remain strong. His comments serve as a reminder that the city’s true character, rooted in love and support, should not be defined solely by its challenges. For Bane, Memphis will always remain home, and his passion for the city goes far beyond his professional career.
Orlando Magic Eyed On Desmond Bane Before In 2020
Before the Desmond Bane trade happened, the Orlando Magic nearly selected him in the 2020 NBA draft. Magic General Manager Anthony Parker revealed that the team had a strong interest in Bane, but in the end, they picked Cole Anthony at No. 15 . Ironically, Anthony later became part of the trade package that brought Bane to the Magic.
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Parker praised Bane’s growth, noting his reliability as a player, defensive toughness, and thoughtful decision-making. He also elaborated on Bane’s high character and how well he fits with the magic’s depth on both court ends.
With Bane’s addition, Magic gains a skilled, versatile player who brings strong leadership to the locker room.
