There was speculation around the Grizzlies since the All-Star break (if not earlier) that the toe injury suffered by Desmond Bane — initially back before Thanksgiving — was still bothering him.
Tuesday we got confirmation this was true. The Grizzlies announced that Bane underwent surgery on the big toe on his right foot, but that he would be back in time for the start of next season.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/TUy7Cenu8i
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) May 16, 2023
This is a fracture of one of the two small bones at the base of the big toe in the ball of the foot. For obvious reasons, it causes pain to walk, let alone run up and down a hardwood court.
Bane initially injured his foot early in the season, on Nov. 11 against the Timberwolves, and he missed 17 games after that letting the bones heal (it was officially listed at the time as a sprained toe).
Bane averaged 21.5 points (shooting 40.8% from 3), plus five rebounds and 4.4 assists per game last season.
The Grizzlies may need Bane to take on a larger role at the start of next season in Memphis, with a possible suspension looming over Ja Morant after his latest flashing of a gun on social media, and with the likelihood Dillon Brooks will not be back in Memphis next season.