Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome out at least four weeks with injury

Jerome sustained the injury in Friday’s preseason finale vs. Miami. He was a key free agent addition this summer for Memphis, which signed the 28-year-old combo guard to a three-year, $27.7M deal using the room exception.

It’s another unfortunate injury development for the Grizzlies, who will be without Scotty Pippen Jr. for at least 12 weeks due to left big toe surgery. Zach Edey (offseason ankle surgery) and Brandon Clarke (knee surgery) are among the other project rotation players expected to miss time to open the new season.

With all four players expected to miss multiple weeks, the Grizzlies should qualify for a 10-day hardship exception after their third game of the season, observes Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian (X link). Herrington lists a handful of free agents — including Charles Bassey and Jared Butler — who could appeal to the Grizzlies, depending on whether they prioritize a big man or a guard.

Jerome averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 70 games last season for Cleveland (19.9 minutes per contest). He also posted an elite shooting line of .516/.439/.872 and finished third in voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Rookie second-rounder Javon Small and second-year guard Cam Spencer are among the candidates for more playing time in the Grizzlies’ backcourt.