Jim Tanner graduated from North Carolina back in 1990, and it sounds like he is a candidate for the GM role. He has been an agent for Ja Morant, Tim Duncan, Ray Allen, Grant Hill, and he currently represents Desmond Bane,

Ja Morant scored 26 points, Desmond Bane had 20 and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 and the Memphis Grizzlies held on to beat the Phoenix Suns 119-112 on Tuesday night. Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,

Jackson came in handy off the bench with Ja Morant taking a seat in the back-to-back. While Scotty Pippen and Luke Kennard have been Morant's direct replacements in recent weeks, the South Carolina product rotated in for some backcourt work as Desmond Bane's backup during the loss.

The Grizzlies are taking NBA Playoffs stock of how Zach Edey adapts around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane down the stretch.

Bane recorded 23 points (8-17 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and four assists over 37 minutes during Wednesday's 128-114 loss to the Clippers. With Ja Morant (knee) on the sidelines, Bane propped up the backcourt with a 16-point flourish in the first quarter before cooling off later in the game.

The Memphis Grizzlies are not issuing standardized grades midway through the season but the 15-player deep squad has undeniably passed the first 50-game test. Taylor Jenkins has the team sitting tied for second place despite Ja Morant and Desmond Bane missing significant time.

In an attempt at stopping a huge dunk from Jarrett Allen during Sunday night's Cleveland Cavaliers–Memphis Grizzlies game, Ja Morant was so brutally posterized that he couldn't help but laugh about it.

Kendrick Perkins didn't hold back against Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, and said that Austin Reaves has had a better season.

And that sprint will be competitive. The Grizzlies (38-16) have the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, according to strength of record. Their first three games after the All-Star break, starting Thursday with the Indiana Pacers, will be on the road against top-seven seeds in the East.

After Jarrett Allen delivered a powerful two-handed slam over Grizzlies star Ja Morant, Morant wrapped Allen in a hug during the Cavs win.

If the Grizzlies lose early in the playoffs and are looking to make improvements, Morant could be the catalyst in a deal while Memphis builds around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. It’s certainly not imminent, but if Memphis disappoints down the stretch, keep an eye out come summertime.