In a twist of fate that’s surely leaving the Golden State Warriors second-guessing, Ty Jerome is lighting up the court for the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors opted not to match a modest two-year, $5 million deal for Jerome back in 2023, and now he's proving his worth in a big way.
Since bouncing back from injury, Jerome has been averaging an impressive 20.1 points, 5.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in just over 22 minutes per game. Warriors fans remember his efficiency fondly, but now he's thriving with more responsibility.
The timing couldn't be worse for Golden State. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a knee injury, the Warriors have struggled, ranking 22nd in offensive rating and managing only five wins in their last 16 games. Jerome could have been the spark they desperately need, but the Warriors chose not to make room for him on a standard contract.
Jerome’s talent was evident last year when he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting with the Cavaliers. Despite his playoff struggles, the Grizzlies saw his potential and secured him with a savvy three-year, $27.6 million deal. Now, he's showing exactly why that was a smart move.
At 28, Jerome is in his prime and taking full advantage of his opportunities. Even with a career-high 14 shot attempts per game, he's shooting an impressive 48.2% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc. His effective field goal percentage of 57.7% surpasses what he achieved in Golden State.
The Warriors’ decision to let Jerome go was largely financial, as they were unwilling to pay him $2.5 million per season. This seems like a bargain compared to other contracts, like that of De’Anthony Melton. Jerome's stint with the Warriors was limited to 45 games on a two-way contract, which may have led them to underestimate his potential in a larger role.
With a crowded backcourt featuring Curry, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Brandin Podziemski, and Gary Payton II, finding minutes for Jerome might have been challenging for head coach Steve Kerr. Yet, Jerome's current performance suggests he would have made a compelling case for more playing time. His knack for scoring would have been invaluable, especially now with Curry and Jimmy Butler out.
As the Warriors struggle, Jerome continues to shine, averaging over 20 points per game for Memphis. The Warriors, along with three other teams that let him slip away, are surely feeling the sting of regret.
Jerome’s breakout is a testament to his talent, and it seems the best is yet to come. For Warriors fans, it’s a tough sight, and unfortunately, it’s not getting any prettier.