Former Cavaliers Ty Jerome and Darius Garland Off to Hot Starts While James Harden Seeks Rhythm in Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves watching two of their recent backcourt orchestrators post stellar early-season campaigns elsewhere in the NBA. Ty Jerome, now with the Memphis Grizzlies, and Darius Garland, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, have opened the year on remarkable scoring paces, leaving Cleveland to lean on veteran acquisition James Harden as he works to regain his efficiency.
Jerome has emerged as an early-season revelation for the Grizzlies. After appearing in just 15 games last year during his debut season in Memphis due to injuries following his departure from Cleveland in free agency, Jerome opened the current campaign with a 45-point performance. Through four games, he is averaging 29.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per contest. His shooting efficiency stands at 50.6 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 87.9 percent from the free-throw line, propelling Memphis to a strong start.
Garland is likewise finding success out West after being traded last season as part of Cleveland’s win-now pivot to acquire Harden. Through three appearances for the Clippers—a franchise navigating a transition into an era past Harden and Kawhi Leonard—Garland is averaging 24.0 points and 7.0 assists per game.
In Cleveland, the 37-year-old Harden has experienced a slower individual offensive beginning. Through three games, he is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. More notably, his shooting percentages trail his career marks, standing at 35.1 percent from the floor, 33.3 percent from three-point range, and 82.4 percent from the foul line.
Despite Harden’s early shooting struggles, the Cavaliers look to build positive momentum following a dramatic 127-125 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026. Cleveland aims to channel that performance moving forward as their former backcourt pieces continue to shine across the league.
