As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate more absences than highlights, the same question is being asked in countless ways. What will the future look like if Ja Morant is no longer the answer? Well, Ty Jerome is showing Tuomas Isalo and the front office what a cost-effective solution looks like. While much of the league's attention has focused on Morant's availability and trade rumors, Jerome has quietly posted All-Star-caliber numbers.
Jerome is currently the only player averaging over 20 points per game (20.9) at Memphis, surpassing both Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2) in scoring output this season. It's a small sample size, admittedly, but the statistical profile shows that Jerome is much more than just a "hot hand" on a weak team. Look at Nikola Jokic's near triple-double in three quarters against the Denver Nuggets.
The lack of a front court has made it difficult to evaluate this season. However, Isalo knows the Grizzlies have at least one locker room leader for next season.
“Ty has been very strong for us the whole time,” Isalo said. "He's become one of the premier creators in the entire league, able to create shots for himself and others."
Jerome leads the Grizzlies in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, which is the hallmark of a typical modern point guard. Perhaps most impressive is that Jerome Morant is getting to the free-throw line just as often as he is, but maintaining a field goal percentage 8% higher than Morant.
Like Ja, Ty also has a target on his back, given the shorthanded nature of the roster that has been limited to two-way players, 10-day contract signings and 42-year-old Taj Gibson. Yet, Jerome turns the ball over only 1.9 times per game, compared to Morant's 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game lags Morant's 8.1, but the raw stats don't fully capture the circumstances.
"(Jerome) gets the toughest assignments every night...a lot of length on him, a lot of physicality," Isalo explained. "They try to take the ball out of his hands, but somehow he always finds a way."
Even under the microscope, Jerome's statistical profile matches up favorably with the league's starting guards returning from injury. For example, his production is compared to Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans). Murray is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome's scoring, efficiency and ball security all stand out in that comparison.
The financial implications are equally important. Jerome is under contract for $9.2 million through the 2026-27 season, a fraction of Morant's $42.4 million cap hit and significantly less than Murray's $32.8 million salary. In a league where roster flexibility often determines whether teams can pursue contention, the difference in salary cap optionality could prove significant.
That contract disparity is where Jerome's value becomes truly transformational for the Grizzlies. His cheap deal frees up ample room for frontcourt additions this offseason, giving the front office flexibility that would be lost if the franchise was forced to pay market rate for comparable point guard play. If Morant is traded this summer, the 28-year-old would provide a reliable, affordable bridge rather than a crippling void.
Jerome can also serve as a mentor. A rookie point guard added through the draft would benefit from playing alongside a steady veteran who values efficiency and decision making. With Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells all capable of contributing in ball-handling duties, a Jerome-anchored backcourt could help develop the guy who ultimately assumes the lead guard role long-term.
That stability could be invaluable for a team dealing with uncertainty around one of its biggest stars. Jerome may not have arrived in Memphis with the fanfare of a franchise cornerstone, but his breakout season has quietly given the Grizzlies something every front office desires. All rebuilds have option rules on everything. And with Morant's future still a big question mark, the Grizzlies may soon have a strong reason to see how far Jerome's rise can go.
