Fresh off his blockbuster trade to the Orlando Magic, Desmond Bane is making headlines not just for his on-court talent, but for his heartfelt defense of the city he once called home. In a recent appearance on The Young Man and the Three podcast, the former Memphis Grizzlies star pushed back against growing narratives that label Memphis as “unsafe” or undesirable for NBA players.
“I think all that is just false,” Bane said. “Once you get to Memphis and you learn Memphis and you know Memphis, there’s a lot of love in that city”.
Memphis has long battled a reputation shaped by crime statistics and media portrayals, but Bane’s comments offer a more nuanced perspective—one rooted in lived experience. He acknowledged that the city, like any other, has its challenges, but emphasized that its sense of community, loyalty, and culture far outweigh the negatives.
“Yeah, it’s got its rough parts. But that’s how every city is,” Bane added. “Memphis is a beautiful place. They’ve got a great organization. Anybody that goes there will be happy with what they’ve got going on”.
Bane’s remarks come in the wake of comments from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who claimed that some NBA stars avoid Memphis due to safety concerns. That sparked a wave of responses from current and former Grizzlies, including Ja Morant, and now Bane, who spent five seasons in the city and became a fan favorite for his gritty play and community involvement.
His defense of Memphis wasn’t just about civic pride—it was personal. Bane ran youth camps, supported local initiatives, and built deep ties with the city’s residents. Even after his trade, he made it clear: Memphis will always be home.
Cities are more than headlines—they’re communities. And for players like him, the bond with Memphis runs deeper than basketball. As he begins a new chapter in Orlando, his loyalty to the Bluff City remains unwavering.
“You just have to go to Memphis to understand it,” he said. “It’s a great place to call home”.
“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
