The latest Ty Jerome injury update leaves Memphis shorthanded

The The Memphis Grizzlies have had their unfortunate share of bad luck when it comes to injury problems in the last few seasons. The Grizzlies were dealt another blow Monday before the start of the regular season when the team announced that Ty Jerome injured his calf and would be reassessed in four weeks. In addition to Jerome, the Grizzlies are without Ja Morant, Zach Eddy, Brandon Clark and Scottie Pippen Jr. to start the year. Jerome was one of the team’s big offseason acquisitions via free agency.

With the recent update on Ty Jerome’s injury, that would lead to his potential return to the Grizzlies about a month after the start of the regular season. His absence also leaves the Grizzlies incredibly short-handed in their backcourt rotation. Not only are the Grizzlies now down from their point guards in Morant and Pippen, but also Jerome who was expected to provide a big boost to the backcourt.

Looking at the Grizzlies’ roster, that means second-year guard Cam Spencer and rookie signing Javon Small could see bigger roles from the start of the season. The Grizzlies also have Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, Vince Williams Jr. and rookie Cedric Coward who can all play guard.

Jerome signed with the Grizzlies in the offseason in free agency on a three-year, $28 million contract. The 24th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Jerome began his career with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also played for the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Grizzlies.

Jerome is coming off a career year in which he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He appeared in 70 games for the Cavaliers last season, including three starts, logging just over 19 minutes per game. He averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.6 percent from the field, 43.9 percent from the three-point line and 87.2 percent from the free throw line.

David Iapkowitz is a basketball reporter for ClutchPoints, covering men’s and women’s NBA, WNBA and NCAA basketball news. The Los Angeles native has op-eds with Basketball Insiders, SB Nation and The Next Hoops.