The Memphis Grizzlies lost their preseason opener to the Detroit Pistons 128-112, despite leading by 18 points at the end of the first quarter. The final score in the preseason doesn't matter as much as how the primary rotation guys perform in limited minutes, which the Grizzlies' players performed well, including Ty Jerome.
It was announced on the morning of their preseason opener that Ja Morant suffered an ankle sprain in practice that ruled him out for at least one week, granting Jerome the starting opportunity against the Pistons. Without their three best players and starters in Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey, the Grizzlies leaned on their free agent signee to lead them in their first bout.
Jerome responded by leading the team with 16 points and a +22 plus/minus in 19 minutes of action, mostly against the Pistons' starters, including third team All-NBA point guard Cade Cunningham. While it is a small sample size, his first game with the team showed why they made him a priority to sign when free agency opened in July.
Jerome solves the Grizzlies' secondary ball handler role
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman made a resounding statement during the team's media day session when he said he thinks this is as much depth as they've had in recent history in terms of ball handlers and guards. Ja Morant has missed a lot of time on the basketball court the last three seasons, leading to secondary playmaking coming from players who weren't strong at it.
Ty Jerome gives the Grizzlies something they haven't had since drafting Ja Morant, a backup playmaking combo guard who can play on and off the ball consistently with or without him. The Grizzlies have experimented with lineups when they had Tyus Jones alongside Ja Morant, and last season with Scotty Pippen Jr. alongside him.
Those lineups were a bit short in the height department, which Ty Jerome solves with his 6'5" frame. He's a good shooter who can score in bunches and draw fouls to get to the free throw. He is also an underrated passer, which makes for a great secondary scorer and playmaker who can be successful in lineups with or without Ja Morant.
He shot 5-9 from the field, 2-5 from three, and 4-5 from the free throw line in his preseason debut to get to his 16 points. He also provided three assists, four rebounds, and two steals to fill up the stat sheet in limited playing time. The Grizzlies sought and conquered with their signing of Ty Jerome, and they should feel confident in his ability after his first game with the team.