The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NBA this season. Pundits expected Memphis to have a bright future but perhaps didn't expect the future to arrive so soon. The Grizzlies currently sit in third place in the Western Conference led by rising star Ja Morant and talented players such as Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. But are the Grizzlies legitimate contenders for an NBA championship this year with heavyweights such as the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns in the West? Desmond Bane appeared on former NBA player JJ Redick's podcast and offered a brutally honest take on the Grizzlies as title contenders.

This is an interesting answer by Desmond Bane. Bane acknowledges that the Grizzlies are young and don't have the experience of teams that have been building for a title for years, such as the Warriors.

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However, Bane also said that for people to dismiss the Grizzlies' title chances this year and in the coming years after they have clearly proven that they belong is “dumb.”

Bane is absolutely right. Memphis might not have the playoff experience of teams like the Warriors, Suns or Milwaukee Bucks but they certainly have the talent to measure up to those squads. And Bane himself, who is enjoying a career-year, is right at the forefront of his team's rise.

Disregard the Grizzlies at your own risk.