In the summer of 2023, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed point guard Ty Jerome to a two-year $5 million contract. After one season, it looked like a waste. But, just a month into his second season in wine and gold, he has been impactful on both ends of the floor for the Cavs and is worth every penny.
Cavs Point Guard Ty Jerome Enjoying a Breakout Season
Since head coach Kenny Atkinson has taken over, he has had nothing but praise for the former National Champion at Virginia.
“Phenomenal, I’m so happy for him,” Atkinson said. “He had a tough injury last year and I think sometimes when you get hurt like that you really make a turn, like I got to be on it with my performance stuff, taking care of my body and I put him number one on our list in terms of his habits… It’s great to see him being rewarded for all of his dedication off the court.”
Jerome is happy to be back after his year-long injury in his first season in Cleveland. The guard is showing why he was a valuable free-agent pickup.
“Just a little extra energy,” Jerome said. “I really want to come out on the defensive end and guard and show that I can guard. But, I really just try to take what the defense gives me every game. If that’s shots, great. If that’s finding guys, great. If that’s getting the ball to someone that’s hot, great.”
Jerome played a season-high 21 minutes last night against the Chicago Bulls and led the team as a +21. Jerome spearheaded a Cavs bench unit which went on a 19-4 run late in the third quarter to flip the game on its head. The lineup was the first time this season that no member of the Cavs core-four was on the floor.
“We were just searching,” Atkinson said. “We were searching for something to give us a spark, we put Dean [Wade] at the five. I think that group was +15, that was kind of what got us back in the game. Like I said, just some games you feel you need a different look.”
However, it was not only tonight that Jerome came up huge for the Cavs already this season. Previously against the Brooklyn Nets, he scored two clutch buckets down the stretch, helping Cleveland to another win. This season, Jerome is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Westchester native is also shooting 60.8% from the field and 54.2% from three, both career-highs. Furthermore, Jerome is averaging just 16.5 minutes per night, which is nowhere near his career high of 23.9 from his days in Oklahoma City. The Cavs are efficient, every player on the floor is taking good shots and knocking them down.
The Last Word
Bench play has been a major reason for Cleveland’s 12-0 start, Jerome is just another massive piece in the puzzle. It seems unlikely Jerome and the rest of the team will continue to shoot at such a high clip. But, the team way this team plays together it feels like they will continue to find ways to win.
