NASHVILLE — Questions about the Memphis Grizzlies’starting point guard in the post-Ja Morant era are beginning to get answered.
The Grizzlies wrapped up training camp at Belmont University’s Crockett Center on Oct. 2, and guard Ty Jerome’s name continued to generate buzz. He was one of the most discussed players throughout the week and appears to have positioned himself as a strong candidate to become the Grizzlies’ next starting point guard.
“He pretty much can score on anybody, any day, on any possession, out of any situation,” GG Jackson said.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo called the final day an “extremely high-level practice.” The Grizzlies split into three teams and experimented with a variety of lineup combinations throughout the session.
The team will return to Memphis for its open practice at FedExForum on Oct. 4. Memphis will open preseason action on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 5.
Here’s what we learned on Oct. 2.
Ty Jerome continues to impress
Iisalo pointed out during media day that Jerome’s efficiency numbers during his 15-game sample size were eye-popping.
Zach Edey is one of the players finally getting an extended opportunity to work with Jerome. During camp, Edey has noticed the chemistry developing between the two and how Jerome has prioritized getting him the ball.
Beyond his on-court performance, Jerome has also been trading competitive banter with new Grizzlies center Isaiah Stewart during practices. Jackson described Jerome’s trash talk as something that builds throughout the games. Jerome starts by encouraging his teammates before passionately reminding them to keep going at opponents.
“We’re on the same team, but if you got a different color on for the day, you ain’t,” Edey said. “So you’re just going at each other and trying to win the day.”
Iisalo has highlighted Jerome’s ability to play point guard in a variety of lineup combinations. If the Grizzlies want to use two bigger wings for defensive purposes — players who may not have the playmaking ability to handle a high level of secondary facilitation — they need a point guard who can shoulder more of that responsibility.
Jerome presents that option.
Memphis Grizzlies lineup combinations
The Grizzlies have several players listed as point guards, but some are more scoring-oriented guards.
Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cam Spencer, for example, are guards who can handle playmaking responsibilities but are viewed more as scorers. Iisalo said the Grizzlies experimented with the two playing together during camp and liked what that combination offered.
Early indications suggest that if some combination of Jaylen Wells, Jerami Grant and Cedric Coward starts, Jerome makes sense at point guard based on the way Memphis wants to play. If Pippen or Spencer starts, the Grizzlies could pair that guard with one of Wells, Grant or Coward while using another guard capable of handling a larger playmaking role like Jerome.
Pippen is arguably viewed as Jerome’s biggest challenger for the starting point guard job, but Iisalo sees him as more than just a primary option at the position. He called Pippen an “easy fit” alongside other players.
“I feel overall his game is very portable,” Iisalo said. “You can put him in different type of lineups because he offers another ball handler, point of attack defense, he’s a transition machine and he also hits open shots on the perimeter and can handle as a secondary handler.”
On the wing, Wells and Coward have already played plenty of minutes together. The Grizzlies have also gotten an extended look at Jackson and Grant playing alongside each other.
Those combinations suggest both could be valuable wing options off the bench. Jackson mentioned how both players can switch defensive matchups, get downhill offensively and space the floor.
“Honestly, it’s like a plug-and-play situation,” Jackson said. “I was able to play off him immediately.”
Zach Edey’s regular-season goal
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman pointed out during media day that the team wanted to see how Edey looked during the Nashville portion of training camp.
That portion is now complete, and everything remains on the table.
Iisalo said Edey has looked “really good” and is moving better than he has at any point during his first two seasons. Edey participated in practices every day, including 5-on-5 action. His only missed time was during the first day of practices when the Grizzlies held two sessions. He participated in the afternoon and was limited in the evening.
Whether Edey plays in the preseason remains to be seen. The team will continue monitoring how his body progresses before making those decisions.
“The regular season is always the goal,” Edey said. “Preseason would be cool, but I’m taking it day by day right now.”
“Sure I want to play, but I’m not going to risk the season or anything, so just taking it day by day,” he added.
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: Ty Jerome emerging as Ja Morant's replacement at Grizzlies practice
