Desmond Bane Gets Emotional About First Return to Memphis

The Orlando Magic picked up their first preseason win Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies as guard Desmond Bane returned to FedExForum for the first time as a member of the Magic.

Orlando defeated Memphis 122-118 on Oct. 7, and Bane finished with nine points while shooting perfectly from 3-point range. Forward Tristan da Silva led the Magic with 19 points.

On the other side, Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome led Memphis with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.

Bane spoke afterward about what it felt like to return to FedExForum after being traded last year.

"It wasn't even walking in. It was when I drove back in the city and drove by the Forum," Bane said. "Like, I came here over the summer for the EYBL session, but knowing that I'm playing in here today was a different feeling. A lot of memories, when I was around town yesterday eating and stuff. Folks telling me welcome home."

"It means a lot to be back, and for the community to receive me the way they have," Bane continued. "Special place, had both my kids here, got drafted here. It's good to be back."

Coming back to a place that meant that much to him had Bane almost nervous before Wednesday's game.

"Not glad that it's over, but just glad that I got it out the way," Bane explained. "I love the city of Memphis. I love being here, seeing so many familiar faces. Like, it made me almost nervous to come back and play in a place that meant so much to me. But yeah, I'm thankful for the time that I had here, and I love this place."

The trip had been on his mind since the preseason schedule came out.

"That's the only reason I said I'm kind of glad it's over," Bane said. "Because it's like [as soon as] the preseason schedule comes out and you see that you're going back home for the first one, it's like, oh, man. Like, that's the first time I put my jersey back on. And also back here. So it was a good time. But, yeah, man, it was good."

Memphis traded Bane to Orlando on June 15, 2025. He was the first player from the Grizzlies' former core to be traded.

Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. helped lead Memphis to two No. 2 seeds in the Western Conference.

This season will be the first without all three. Memphis reached the postseason during the 2024-25 season before eventually moving Morant and Jackson Jr.

A few of Bane's former teammates are still in Memphis, but not many.

"A lot of the familiar faces are gone," Bane said. "My boy Ja, Jaren, DB, Tyus, K.A., Santi, them, they're the whole squad. GG and Jaylen and them still over there kicking, Scotty."

"But a lot of guys that I came into it with are gone," Bane added. "So, yeah, it's different."

Last season, the franchise missed the playoffs and will look to win more games while developing the young talent on the roster.

No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting 66% from three.

Memphis is now 1-1 in the preseason after Wednesday's loss, but the team had plenty of bright spots.

Jerome's performance is another indication that he can help Memphis space the floor while getting others involved.

While forward Karim López did not score, he played six minutes, which was notable after seeing limited action during Summer League.

Another player who took another step was forward GG Jackson II.

Jackson II finished with 15 points and six rebounds while shooting 3-of-5 from 3-point range. Center Zach Edey made his preseason debut after missing Monday's opener, playing 10 minutes and grabbing four rebounds.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has been experimenting with multiple lineups as the deadline for final roster decisions approaches. Memphis has two preseason games remaining.

While Bane got to play at FedExForum for the first time as an opponent, the page has finally turned.

Memphis will welcome back Jackson Jr. for the regular-season opener on Oct. 21.

The future is bright in Memphis, and the franchise has a chance to begin a new era with a clean slate.