Backup Roles Take Center Stage for Grizzlies, Lakers and 76ers Ahead of NBA Season
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Memphis Counts on Ty Jerome Behind Ja Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies view a steady reserve point guard as essential, and 27-year-old Ty Jerome is now central to that plan. With Ja Morant’s availability often uncertain, Jerome has been asked to anchor the second unit, a job Tyus Jones handled before his offseason departure.
General manager Zach Kleiman said this year’s roster features Memphis’ “deepest ball-handling group” since the 2021-22 club that won 56 games. Jerome, a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year with Cleveland last season, strengthened that belief on Oct. 6 when he stepped in for an injured Morant and produced 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 19 minutes.
Some in Memphis believe Jerome could join Mike Miller (2006) as the franchise’s only Sixth Man honorees. Draft analyst Sam Vecenie picked Jerome to win the award on his “Game Theory Podcast.” Jerome will run the bench unit alongside Scotty Pippen Jr. as the Grizzlies attempt to solidify playoff positioning early.
Bronny James Eyes Consistent Minutes in Los Angeles
After a rookie season filled with outside scrutiny, 20-year-old Bronny James has shifted his focus to securing a spot in the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation. “I think it’s not taking opportunities for granted,” James told ESPN LA. “Whenever I’m given the opportunity to go out and prove myself, that’s where I need to lock in and produce for the team.”
First-year head coach JJ Redick has emphasized championship habits, asking James to defend, hit open three-pointers and be prepared. The guard flashed that skill set last season, highlighted by a 17-point effort against Milwaukee. With Gabe Vincent and others ahead of him, James will likely begin the year outside the primary rotation, but the 82-game grind could create chances to earn regular minutes.
Dominick Barlow Makes His Case in Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers two-way forward Dominick Barlow strengthened his bid for a standard contract despite the team’s 128-98 preseason loss to Orlando. The 21-year-old finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, prompting head coach Nick Nurse to say, “I think for sure he does [deserve a spot], at least rotation-wise.”
With Trendon Watford sidelined and Paul George still ramping up from injury, Barlow is filling a short-term frontcourt need. Nurse praised the young big man’s work ethic, noting that Barlow arrives early and “puts maximum effort into this opportunity.” Philadelphia concludes preseason play on Oct. 17 against Minnesota, giving Barlow one more chance to secure a full-time role.
Source: Hoops Wire
