Virginia Basketball: 2019 NBA Draft profile of Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 22: Ty Jerome #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers drives past Torry Johnson #4 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 22, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 24: Ty Jerome #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts as he lays on the court against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Draft Stock – Late First, Very Early Second

In the latter half of the first round, there is always room for movement. The teams in the final third are looking for role players who can make an impact in their specific positions of needs. Luckily for Jerome, most teams don’t have an abundance of 6’5” point guards. He should be picked somewhere between the Boston Celtics at 20, who have already hosted him in a group workout, and the Philadelphia 76ers at 34, who hold picks 24 and 33 as well.

Jerome going as early as 20 is his best case scenario and likely a stretch as his athleticism and age give him a lower ceiling than what many teams look for in the draft. The Celtics waiting to draft him at 22 or trading down is more likely, but he certainly could end up having a huge role on that team after free agency hits. Kyrie Irving has stoked the free agency fires all season and could be on his way out. Terry Rozier is entering free agency as well and publicly criticized the organization on First Take since their season ended. That would leave the Celtics with Marcus Smart remaining at point guard, desperate to add leadership and shooting at the position.

Ty Jerome makes a ton of sense on the 76ers roster as well. With three picks in Jerome’s range, it would be a surprise to see them pass on him with their final chance at 34 if he is still available. The Sixers are likely to be moving on from TJ McConnell this summer, and Jerome could seamlessly upgrade the backup point guard position on a team that sometimes struggles to find players who fit well with Ben Simmons.

The upside for the 76ers taking Jerome is his shooting. He can fit into more lineups than McConnell ever could, because he can likely play off ball when Ben Simmons is on the court. He showed this ability to stretch the floor while playing with non-shooting point guard Kihei Clark this past season.

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The 76ers were forced to play Jimmy Butler as their back-up point guard this year. It worked well, but they need some roster flexibility and some one who can contribute right away. He will not fall past pick 34.

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