The Memphis Grizzlies didn't know this would happen, but it's looking brilliant right about now.
Ja Morant remains injured, although there's still a chance he'll play in the regular season opener. But that has made Ty Jerome that much more important.
The Grizzlies went after the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard in free agency and landed him on a three-year deal.
Jerome is coming off the best season of his NBA career, in which he was a dynamic sixth man for the East's best team.
Now, Jerome was likely slated for that same role in Memphis, except for the fact that Morant is still dinged up.
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Jerome has gotten the chance to start in the preseason, and if Morant isn't quite ready by opening night, Jerome will certainly start then, too.
He feels at home in Memphis.
“The way they see me as a player is very similar to the way I see myself as a player, and that’s really important," Jerome said at preseason media day last month.
Jerome's 2024-25 version was incredible. It felt like he could make any shot on the floor, and he remained the great distributor he was during his national championship days at the University of Virginia.
He could play at the same time as Morant with the Grizzlies if they want to try that lineup out, but he also works just fine running the show in the minutes Morant might need a breather.
For now, a fast start to the season for Memphis could depend more heavily on Jerome. If he plays anything like last season, he'll probably be up for the challenge.
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