OKC Thunder: 2 players who deserve increased role during final month

OKC Thunder player No. 2) Ty Jerome

Like we mentioned in the introduction slide, SGA is expected to be out for quite some time as he continues to recover from plantar fasciitis, which leaves an average of 33.7 minutes left up for grabs within the rotation.

With this, it presents a perfect opportunity for second-year pro, Ty Jerome.

Acquired in the offseason deal that sent Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns, the point guard was viewed as a mere throw-in in the deal — a sweetener if you will.

The 24th pick in the 2019 draft, Jerome had a relatively underwhelming rookie season with Phoenix, posting measly per-game averages of 3.3 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.5 rebounds on 34 percent shooting from the field and 28 percent shooting from deep.

Upon arrival in Oklahoma City, the 23-year-old was sent down to the team’s G League affiliate team, the OKC Blue, where he posted 12.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in nine appearances before being called up to the varsity team.

From there, Jerome has worked his way into meaningful minutes with the OKC Thunder for, as things currently stand, the sophomore is posting 10 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and an impressive 40 percent shooting from deep.

At 6-5, the youngster is able to play either backcourt position, which helps this team with the absence of Gilgeous-Alexander.

Still under contract through next season (followed by a team option in 2022-23), Presti and co. have the option to either keep him along for the rebuilding ride or package him in a future deal for assets potentially viewed as more desirable.

Either way, increasing Ty Jerome’s role could stand to benefit the Thunder in the long term no matter what path they choose to take.