Ty Jerome’s Return to the Court
Ty Jerome, the former Virginia Cavaliers standout and last year’s breakout star for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is finally back on the court after an extended absence due to a calf strain that kept him sidelined for 46 games. His return to basketball was highly anticipated, especially after signing a lucrative three-year, $27 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in July. His debut in Memphis occurred on January 31, 2026, when the Grizzlies faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum.
Impactful Debut
Despite starting the season on injured reserve, Jerome quickly made an impact, scoring 20 points in his first game back, despite the team losing 131-114. In a rematch against the Timberwolves just days later, he showcased his all-around skills with a performance that included 19 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, contributing to a 137-128 victory. Although he was under a minutes restriction, playing 20 minutes per game in his initial outings, Jerome’s efficient shooting (54.5% from the field) and ability to dictate the pace of the game have made him a key asset for the Grizzlies, whose backcourt has struggled with consistency and injuries this season.
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Jerome’s skills: “He may not appear explosive, but his awareness of the game allows him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, manipulating defenders with his movements.”
Significance of Jerome’s Arrival
In the context of the Grizzlies’ season, Jerome’s arrival is significant. Prior to his return, the team held a disappointing record of 18-28, sitting three games out of playoff contention in the competitive Western Conference. Additionally, the absence of key player Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, who has missed over a month’s worth of games, has compounded their struggles.
Former Cavaliers Players Update
In other news involving former Cavaliers players, De’Andre Hunter has been traded to the Sacramento Kings from Cleveland, a deal involving Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Hunter’s season has not gone as hoped; he averaged 14.0 points with a shooting percentage below his career norms. The Kings, who are currently in a rebuilding phase with the worst record in the league, may provide Hunter with a new opportunity to reclaim his offensive prowess and play a central role in their future endeavors. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, this move could be pivotal for the 2019 fourth-overall pick as he seeks to revitalize his career in Sacramento.
