As the Memphis Grizzlies grapple with more roster holes than highlight reels, a pressing question looms large: What does the future hold if Ja Morant isn't the solution? Enter Ty Jerome, who’s quietly making a compelling case as a cost-effective asset for Tuomas Iisalo and the front office. While the league is abuzz with Morant's availability and trade whispers, Jerome has been posting numbers worthy of All-Star chatter.
Jerome stands out as the only Grizzly averaging over 20 points per game, clocking in at 20.9, outpacing both Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2).
Sure, it’s a limited sample size, but Jerome’s stats suggest he’s more than just a flash in the pan on a depleted squad. His near triple-double against Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets is a testament to his impact.
The season’s been tricky without a solid frontcourt presence, but Iisalo can bank on having at least one locker room leader next season.
“Ty has been very solid for us the whole time,” Iisalo noted. “He’s become one of the premier creators in the league, crafting shots for himself and others.”
Jerome leads the team in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is hitting over 40% from deep-a mark of an elite modern guard. Impressively, he’s getting to the free-throw line almost as often as Morant but boasts a field goal percentage 8% higher.
Despite the roster’s patchwork nature, with two-way players and 10-day contracts, Jerome maintains composure, turning the ball over just 1.9 times per game compared to Morant’s 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game may trail Morant’s 8.1, but numbers 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 stack up well against other starting guards returning from injury. Take Dejounte Murray from the New Orleans Pelicans, for instance.
Murray averages 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome’s scoring, efficiency, and ball protection shine in comparison.
The financial angle is equally intriguing. Jerome is set to earn $9.2 million in the 2026-27 season, a bargain compared to Morant’s $42.4 million cap hit and Murray’s $32.8 million salary. In a league where financial flexibility can make or break a contender, Jerome’s contract offers the Grizzlies crucial breathing room.
This salary gap transforms Jerome’s value for Memphis. His affordable deal opens up possibilities for frontcourt improvements this offseason, offering flexibility that would vanish if the franchise had to shell out market rates for similar point guard talent. Should Morant be traded this summer, Jerome, at 28, could provide a steady bridge rather than a gaping hole.
Moreover, Jerome could mentor a rookie point guard from the draft, offering guidance with his focus on efficiency and smart decision-making. With players like Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr., and Jaylen Wells ready to handle the ball, a Jerome-led backcourt could nurture whoever steps into the lead guard role long-term.
For a team facing uncertainty around one of its stars, Jerome’s stability is priceless. While he might not have arrived in Memphis with franchise cornerstone hype, his breakout season has quietly delivered something every front office dreams of: options. And with Morant’s future still uncertain, the Grizzlies might soon find out just how far Jerome’s ascent can take them.