Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams said on Sunday that the organization is still not sure when first-round pick Ty Jerome will return to the court.
The 24th overall selection suffered a sprained right ankle in practice on Oct. 21 and has not yet played with the Suns in the regular season. Jerome was seen in the days following the injury in a walking boot but his now out of the boot and able to get shots up on the court, according to Williams.
Every day he is closer. We’re cautiously optimistic about seeing him on the floor and taking shots but we still don’t know. When he first did it, I thought it was a normal twist — two or three days and then he’ll be back — and then I found out it was more severe than we thought. It’s just good to see him on the floor getting shots and walking through stuff in drills. We still don’t know. We still have to trust the process. He is a young player and this is his first injury so we’ll know more after this how he heals.
#Suns coach Monty Williams "cautiously optimistic" about Ty Jerome's return, but isn't sure when he'll be back.
The rookie out of Virginia hasn't played in the regular after suffering a right ankle injury in practice before the regular season began. pic.twitter.com/OrZBKAl0gw
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 17, 2019
In four preseason games, Jerome averaged 6.8 points, 3.8 assists and one steal while shooting 45.8% from the field. Williams used Jevon Carter in place of Jerome but he has since shortened his rotation, leaving the veteran on the outside looking in.
Jerome faces a long road to returning to the court and cracking the rotation as the Suns are likely going to take their time with his recovery. Without Jerome, the Suns have started off the season with a 7-5 record.
Phoenix plays next on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.
[lawrence-related id=6579,7010,6927]