The Detroit Pistons will be selecting 15th in this year’s NBA Draft. Should they consider selecting Ty Jerome with the 15th overall pick?
The Detroit Pistons should not overlook Virginia guard Ty Jerome. Yes he is projected to go late first round or mid second but if he’s not gone after the first round and he’s still on the board in the second, the Pistons should take him.
This NCAA champion is a hard worker and knows what it takes to win. One concern for the Pistons over the past years has been the point guard position. With Reggie Jackson becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2020 and Ish Smith an unrestricted free agent this year, the need for a guard is evident.
Though Jerome is said to be picked in the late first round or early second round, it would be a gamble taking him at the 15th pick.
But that’s a gamble I would be willing to take if I’m the Pistons. Here’s why I am high on Ty Jerome.
Strengths:
Jerome had an impressive junior season at Virginia helping his team secure the 2019 National Championship a year after being bounced in the first round.
Jerome stands 6’5 195, a good size at the guard position. He averaged 13.6 points and 5.5 assists in his junior campaign for Virginia.
He is a true point guard who knows how to control the game and make the right decisions on offense.
Jerome’s college head coach, Tony Bennett said that Jerome has the “it” factor. That is an accurate statement from Bennett.
In the two final four games, Jerome averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists. A big help to Virginia, Jerome was.
His fearlessness and competitiveness makes teams want him to play for them. That is what Detroit needs.
Jerome shot a career 39% from behind the arc and he wants to improve on his shooting, he said he wants to be a “great shooter.” We know that Detroit has struggled and has been in need of three-point shooting.
This underrated point guard is the ideal role player and is willing to do whatever it takes to better the team.
His defense is arguably one of his best strengths. His on and off the ball defense is second to none, especially playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country. His defense will only get better once he gets in the league.
Weaknesses:
Some areas that Jerome needs to work on are his speed and athleticism. Though Jerome was typically slower than the guards he faced in the ACC, he was able to counteract that with his high basketball IQ.
But that won’t translate well in the NBA. Will that be a main concern for NBA teams and could that be the decided factor on when he goes in the draft?
You better believe that Jerome is working on his speed right now because that’s the kind of person he is. He wants to be the best and his game has improved every year during his time at Virginia.
Will he be able to guard players like Kemba Walker?
The Pistons will need a good defender at the guard position.
Also another area that Jerome needs to work on is creating shots off the dribble. Though he is a good shooter, most of his shots are spot up and if he wants to have success in the league, he will need to establish that shot off the dribble.
Overall:
Jerome could be a really good fit for Dwane Casey. His work ethic goes unnoticed and he has proven that he knows what it takes to win.
He could be an ideal fit off the bench for Detroit and bring the grit and tenacity that this team has been missing.
You put Jerome on the same team with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, you definitely will have a problem.
With his IQ and skill set, he would have a field day playing with them. This guy can have a very long and successful NBA career.
I highly believe he will silence all the doubters when he enters the league.