In recent times, it feels like there hasn't been much good news for the Grizzlies. But this time, the Grizzlies finally received a good update on the injury front. Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. were assigned to the Memphis Hustle and are inching closer to their returns.
One of the main culprits for the Grizzlies' recent struggles has been the lack of available guards. With Ja Morant having missed multiple games this season, the Grizzlies simply haven't had the depth to overcome his absences. The Grizzlies have lacked solutions for protecting leads, but soon they will have a key solution with the returns of Pippen Jr. and Jerome.
Jerome is a step closer to his highly anticipated Grizzlies debut
In the early hours of free agency, the Grizzlies signed Ty Jerome to a three-year, $28 million deal using the room exception. On paper, this deal was seen as one of the biggest steals of free agency last summer. Having previously finished third in last year's Sixth Man of the Year race, Jerome was expected to feature heavily and be a strong fit for Tuomas Iisalo's offense.
Unfortunately, after suffering a calf strain in the Grizzlies' preseason matchup against the Miami Heat on October 17, Ty Jerome has yet to play a game this season. With weeks of uncertainty and growing unrest within the fanbase about the timetable for Jerome's return, Jerome is on track to make his much-anticipated Grizzlies debut before the All-Star break. Jerome's abilities as a shooter and pick-and-roll ball handler should be a welcome boost to a Grizzlies offense still struggling in the halfcourt.
Pippen Jr.'s return will be an immediate boost
Scotty Pippen Jr. has been one of the best two-way success stories for the Grizzlies in recent seasons. Originally brought in on a two-way contract in January 2024, Pippen Jr. eventually earned a standard contract and had an impressive 2024/25 season as the backup point guard. Expected to be a key rotation player, Pippen Jr. underwent left big toe surgery just before the start of the regular season.
In last year's playoff exit to the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Pippen Jr. was one of the better performers on the team. His reliable offense along with his POA defense will give the Grizzlies much-needed stability in the backcourt that they have lacked for most of the season. With rumors of a potential Ja Morant trade soon, Pippen Jr. could end up having a bigger role once he is past his minute recommendation upon returning.
The Grizzlies' lack of available guards has been a key contributor to their blown leads. There has been a recent pattern of the Grizzlies getting off to stronger starts but being unable to close out games. While there hasn't been a lot going right for the Grizzlies recently, the imminent returns of Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. should help the Grizzlies stack wins in the coming weeks.