Another Memphis Grizzlies preseason game is in the books, and the young team continues to show signs of progress.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo is balancing the evaluation of rotation players and lineup combinations with giving fringe roster candidates opportunities to showcase their skills.
Memphis defeated the Chicago Bulls 104-100 at the United Center on Oct. 9, leading by as many as 14 points in the first half while its projected rotation players were on the floor.
Here are three takeaways from the Grizzlies’ win against the Bulls.
Ty Jerome sets the tone
Jerome is showing why he has started all three of the Grizzlies’ preseason games at point guard.
Jerome led Memphis with 16 points in the first half, making four of the team’s six 3-pointers through two quarters. He
scored or assisted on 28 of the Grizzlies’ 60 first-half points.
Memphis held Jerome out of the second half, giving other players an opportunity to make their case for roster spots and playing time.
Through three preseason games, Jerome has made a strong case to be the Grizzlies’ starting point guard when the regular season begins. His scoring ability and playmaking have provided a steady presence as Memphis adjusts tolife after Ja Morant.
Zach Edey continues to improve
Edey returned to the starting lineup for the second consecutive game as the Grizzlies continued to increase his workload. He played into the third quarter.
Edey finished with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block in 16 minutes.
It was a more forceful performance from the center. Edey ran the floor with greater urgency, established deeper position against defenders in the post, and drew extra defensive attention on offense. He also showcased his ability to protect the rim.
Edey, who had multiple ankle surgeries, is still working his way back to full form, but the increased playing time and encouraging performance were positive signs for a Grizzlies team counting on him to make an impact in the paint this season.
GG Jackson, Cam Boozer continue to shine
Jackson is making a case to be a reliable source of instant offense off the bench.
Jackson finished with 14 points against Chicago and has scored in double figures in all three of Memphis’ preseason games. After efficiency was a challenge earlier in his career, he showed continued progress by making five of nine shots against the Bulls.
Cam Boozer also continued to make an impression. The rookie finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in 12 first-half minutes before sitting out the second half.
Boozer and Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson often have been compared to one another after being drafted with consecutive picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. When the two were in the game together, Boozer was much more impactful. Wilson finished with 21 points, but he did most of that work in the second half while playing 31 minutes.
Boozer has looked comfortable processing the game and making decisions beyond his years. His ability to contribute as a scorer and playmaker has stood out early in the preseason.
Like Jerome, Boozer’s night ended at halftime, giving other players an opportunity to see the floor. His performance offered another encouraging glimpse of what he could bring to Memphis as he adjusts to the NBA.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cam Boozer wins latest battle with Caleb Wilson in Grizzlies' victory vs Bulls
