The back-and-forth between Stephen A. Smith and Ja Morant over Memphis sparked serious conversation about the city’s image in NBA circles. It started when Smith claimed on First Take that some NBA stars, like Jimmy Butler, had told him they didn’t feel safe in Memphis. He even went as far as saying that the city needs to “clean some of that stuff up” if they want to attract top-tier talent.
Morant, however, clapped back immediately, saying the city was home and questioning why the famed analyst was talking about Memphis in the middle of the NBA Finals. Of course, Smith didn’t back down. He said he could reveal more if pushed, citing conversations with players and even local authorities.
Now, another voice has entered the conversation, Desmond Bane. The ex-Grizzlies sharpshooter, who recently joined the Orlando Magic, defended the Bluff City with pride.
During an appearance on The Old Man and the Three, Bane was asked to comment on the conversation surrounding Memphis. Responding to Smith’s remarks, he said it’s simply “false” to suggest that players don’t want to play there. Having spent five years in the city, Bane knows exactly what it has to offer.
Bane said, “I think once, when you get to Memphis, you learn Memphis, and you know Memphis, there’s a lot of love in that city.” The 26-year-old acknowledged that there are some rough areas, but said that’s not unique to Memphis. Every city in the country has its share of tough neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Memphis is one of...
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