Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Ty Jerome has been ruled out for the team’s Sunday matinee game against the Los Angeles Clippers with left knee tendinitis despite assertions from head coach Kenny Atkinson that his injury isn’t serious. He also sat out Cleveland’s contests against the San Antonio Spurs on March 27 and Detroit Pistons on March 28.
What makes Jerome’s status for the upcoming Clippers game notable is that the Cavaliers have changed his injury diagnosis. Initially, he was listed as having left knee soreness.
“Jerome’s injury was officially changed from ‘left knee soreness’ to ‘left knee tendinitis,'” Sam Amico wrote. “The latter could be considered a little more worrisome — though again, it is likely something that just needs extra rest.”
On a Cleveland second unit replete with impactful players, Jerome has maybe been the most effective this season. He’s averaging the most points per game of any player on the team with less than three starts for the Cavaliers on the season at 12.2.
He’s been at his best when looking to score the ball from 3-point range, and he’s making his shots from deep at a rate that would perhaps even make Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry blush. On 3.6 3s attempted per game in his second season with the Cavaliers, he’s buried 43.1 percent of his looks from behind the arc.
Among all qualified players in the NBA this season, Jerome ranks fifth in 3-point percentage. Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince is leading the way in that category, as he’s shooting the 3 at a 44.5 percent clip.
Jerome could end up receiving some serious consideration for this season’s Sixth Man of the Year award, considering his impact off the pine for a Cavaliers team that’s enjoyed a dominant campaign. Even though Cleveland has won just five of its last 10 games, the Cavaliers are still on track to end up as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Hopefully, Jerome will be able to get back on the court and get his feet wet for the Cavaliers before the beginning of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
After Cleveland takes on the Clippers, the Cavaliers have a matchup against the New York Knicks slated for April 2. The Knicks hold the No. 3 seed in the East and picked up a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in their most recent contest played on March 28.