It is completely fair to wonder how many more games the Grizzlies would've won if Zach Edey and Ty Jerome were healthy. Would they be competing for a playoff spot? Would Jaren Jackson Jr. have remained in Memphis? Those are questions we will sadly never get the answer to.
However, there is one thing that remains clear. Ty Jerome previously signed with the Grizzlies last offseason for three years and $28 million, using the room exception. It has never been more obvious that Ty Jerome has outperformed that contract value by a wide margin. Despite the Grizzlies entering a rebuild, Jerome is a dream system fit for the team and should remain in Memphis past this season.
Ty Jerome suffered a calf strain in the preseason on October 17, 2025, against the Miami Heat and did not return until January 31 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. Jerome has played so well since returning that fans are wondering how the season would've played out if he had been healthy from the start.
It's impressive how productive Jerome has been on a minute restriction
Arguably the most impressive factor of how well Jerome has played is the fact he's still on a minute restriction. Jerome has played just 22.3 minutes per game since coming back and has not played more than 25 minutes in a game. The minute restriction has not prevented Jerome from being extremely productive on the court.
Ty Jerome is averaging 20.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists and is almost averaging a point per minute. 13 games is not a huge sample size; however, Jerome was already showing signs of being a high-level offensive player in Cleveland last season. Jerome finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year race last season and has continued to keep getting better.
Jerome has brought a much-needed boost in scoring efficiency, as he currently has a 63.4 TS% and is shooting 42.5% from three. His shot creation and playmaking off the dribble have made him a very useful player for the Grizzlies. Jerome also possesses one of the best floaters in the NBA, and his deep range as a shooter makes it hard for defenses to guard him.
Jerome can help the Grizzlies win even sooner
There will be plenty of talk this offseason about potentially selling high on Ty Jerome. Jerome is currently 28 and has two years left on his deal, including a player option for the 2027-28 season. While an argument can be made for selling high, Jerome is the exact offensive presence that can help the Grizzlies return to winning soon.
One of the biggest reasons he signed with the Grizzlies was so that he could play in Tuomas Iisalo's system. Jerome has thrived despite the fact the Grizzlies have not had healthy bigs in most of the games he's played. Jerome and Edey could also form one of the most dangerous pick-and-roll duos in the NBA if given the chance.
Jerome is shattering expectations despite a difficult injury situation around him. Even though selling high on Jerome could tempt the Grizzlies, it is becoming an obvious decision to keep him. Ty Jerome is the exact veteran scoring presence that can accelerate the Grizzlies' efforts to rebuild.