Ty Jerome emerged as one of the standout stories during last season, playing a pivotal role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive campaign. His timely contributions from the bench and as a fill-in starter were crucial to helping the Cavs secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, after enjoying a career year in Cleveland, Jerome’s success made it impossible for the team to retain him within their budget, leading him to sign a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Cleveland fans may find themselves reflecting on what could have been as they watch Jerome make his mark with his new team. In his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jerome shone brightly, scoring 20 points in just 19 minutes on the court with an impressive 50 percent shooting from the field. This performance starkly contrasts with that of Lonzo Ball, who has struggled significantly since his arrival, accumulating only 27 points over 130 minutes played in January.
Despite Ball being anticipated to offer more than Jerome—given his size, defensive versatility, and playmaking abilities—his performance thus far has fallen short. He has struggled with shooting, currently ranking as the league’s worst three-point shooter at just over 27 percent. His lack of engagement on defense and failure to step up as a veteran leader have only exacerbated the situation for the Cavs.
This unfortunate turn of events has prompted the team to seek other options, such as pursuing Dennis Schroder to take charge of the second unit. Meanwhile, Jerome is likely to continue making a significant impact for the hopeful playoff contender Grizzlies, especially as they consider trading Ja Morant.
In retrospect, the decision to let Jerome go appears to be increasingly regrettable, particularly as Ball’s struggles become more pronounced. While hindsight is always 20/20, the contrast between the two players’ recent performances underscores the challenges faced by the Cavaliers in replacing Jerome’s contributions. For Cavaliers fans, watching Jerome thrive in Memphis may be bittersweet, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential for growth when players find the right opportunity.