As the Memphis Grizzlies grapple with a season marked by more absences than highlights, the question on everyone's mind is simple: What happens if Ja Morant isn't the answer for the future? Enter Ty Jerome, who's making a compelling case as a cost-effective solution for Tuomas Iisalo and the front office. While the league buzzes with talk of Morant's availability and trade rumors, Jerome has quietly been putting up numbers worthy of an All-Star nod.
Jerome stands out as the only Grizzly averaging over 20 points per game (20.9), outpacing Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2) in scoring this season.
Sure, it's a limited sample, but Jerome's stats suggest he's more than just a temporary fix on a depleted roster. Just look at his near triple-double performance against Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets.
The season's been tough to assess, especially with a thin front court, but Iisalo knows they've found a locker room leader for the future.
“Ty has been very solid for us the whole time,” Iisalo said. “He has turned into one of the premier creators in the whole league, able to create shots for himself and others.”
Jerome leads the team in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is hitting over 40% from beyond the arc, a key trait for a modern point guard. Impressively, he gets to the free-throw line almost as often as Morant while maintaining a field goal percentage that's 8% higher.
Despite the challenges of a roster filled with two-way players, 10-day contracts, and the veteran presence of 42-year-old Taj Gibson, Jerome keeps his turnovers to just 1.9 per game, compared to Morant's 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game may trail Morant’s 8.1, but numbers alone don't tell the whole story.
“(Jerome) gets the toughest assignments every night…a lot of length, a lot of physicality on him,” Iisalo explained. “They try to get the ball out of his hands, but somehow he always finds a way.”
Even under scrutiny, Jerome's stats compare favorably with other starting guards returning from injury. Take Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans, for instance.
Murray averages 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome's scoring, efficiency, and ball protection all shine in comparison.
The financial aspect is equally important. Jerome's contract for the 2026-27 season is $9.2 million, a fraction of Morant’s $42.4 million cap hit and well below Murray’s $32.8 million salary. In a league where roster flexibility is key to contention, this salary difference could be crucial.
Jerome's affordable deal opens up significant room for frontcourt additions this offseason, offering the front office flexibility that would disappear if they had to pay market rates for a comparable point guard. Should Morant be traded this summer, the 28-year-old Jerome could be a reliable, affordable bridge rather than leaving a void.
Jerome could also take on a mentorship role. A rookie point guard from the draft could thrive alongside a seasoned veteran who prioritizes efficiency and smart decision-making. With players like Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr., and Jaylen Wells ready to contribute to ball-handling duties, a Jerome-led backcourt could nurture whoever steps up as the long-term lead guard.
For a team facing uncertainty around one of its stars, Jerome's stability could be a game-changer. He may not have arrived in Memphis with the fanfare of a franchise player, but his breakout season has quietly provided the Grizzlies with something every front office desires: options. As Morant’s future remains uncertain, the Grizzlies might soon find themselves eager to see just how far Jerome's rise can go.