Last offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed guard Ty Jerome as a free agent to fill their bench. The University of Virginia standout played as a backup for the Golden State Warriors and was brought to Cleveland for the same task. However, after just two games, Jerome suffered a mysterious knee injury from which he was not expected to return all year. He will look to reprise his role this year, fresh off that injury, in 2024.

Cavs guard will move to the bench after season-long injury

The Cavs are pretty clear on who their starting guards will be. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell have been playing in tandem since 2022, forming one of the NBA’s most explosive backcourts. The addition of Jerome last season was expected to give the duo solid minutes. But his injury forced the Cavs to look elsewhere for guard minutes. Veteran Caris LeVert carried most of the load as the sixth man. Additionally, rookie Craig Porter Jr. found his rhythm filling in for Jerome. In 51 games, including six starts, he averaged 5.6 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds.

Jerome’s Attack

After his injury, it will be up to Jerome to reclaim the backup point guard position from the talented rookie. In his five professional seasons, he has averaged 7.0 points, 2.6 assists and 1.8 rebounds. At 6’5″, Jerome will add plenty of size to a Cleveland backcourt that lacks size. Garland and Mitchell are both under 6’4″, which limits their defensive abilities. Additionally, Jerome was a league-average three-point shooter, shooting 35.2%. The Cavs have struggled shooting off the bench in recent years, and Jerome’s presence will only help that. As long as Mitchell and Garland stay healthy, Jerome will be used exclusively off the bench this year.

Although Jerome appears ready to play at the start of this year’s season, his injury concerns aren’t going away. During his career, the guard has never surpassed the 50-game mark for a season. He’s had a persistent knee issue since his time in Phoenix in 2019. The surgery he underwent this offseason was done to prevent knee problems in the future. Jerome will need to have a clean bill of health if he wants to remain in the Cavs’ rotation long-term. The 27-year-old is in the final year of the two-year, $5 million contract he signed last year.

The last word

Although it may take two years for him to make his impact, Jerome’s addition to the Cavs’ bench will be a welcome sight. Whether he or Porter Jr. will get the majority of minutes as the backup point guard starting the year remains to be seen. New head coach Kenny Atkinson will have a decision to make. He could have both players split minutes early in the season. Despite his injury history, Jerome is a productive player on the court. If he has a good season this year, he could receive a contract extension from Cleveland management next summer.