The Memphis Grizzlies finished the NBA preseason 3-2 after a tough home loss last night at the hands of the Miami Heat. With the NBA roster cuts days away, rookie forward Jaylen Wells has the makeup, and shot prowess to make the final cut. Wells’ adaptability will prove why he’ll be an instant impactful rotational piece for head coach Taylor Jenkins. This season’s Grizzlies roster has the potential to be Taylor Jenkins’ deepest and most versatile unit since he took over the helm in 2019. Jenkins and Co. are already a well-balanced and battle-tested team. There is a diamond in the rough forward that has a great opportunity to rise to the occasion.
Unsung Grizzlies’ Rookie Jaylen Wells Making Final Roster Case
The Memphis Grizzlies selected guard Jaylen Wells with the 39th overall pick in the early second round of the 2024 draft. The Washington State University product can operate seamlessly both on and off the ball. Wells averaged 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 43% from the field, 41% from the three-point line, and 81% from the charity stripe during his lone season as a Cougar. His solid 2023-24 campaign was adequate to land him some PAC-12 honorable mention votes. Wells made his first splash in the NBA Summer League. The second-rounder piled up some impressive notable scoring performances including a game-winning 27-point effort vs the Philadelphia 76ers. Wells would also pour in 28 points versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
0% Chance of Rainfall in Grind City
Jaylen Wells possesses such a complimentary skillset around established Grizzlies stars Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Wells’ three-point stroke will be such a lethal weapon for Taylor Jenkins this season. His scouting report will stretch coverages immensely from the get-go to the point that he’ll impact the half-court without touching the basketball. The Memphis Grizzlies have been a bottom- third three-point shooting team each of the past two seasons. The catch-and-shoot prowess of the former Div. II All-American from Sonoma State will inevitably help create even more driving lanes for Grizzlies’ engine starter floor general Morant. Wells will be on the receiving end of plenty of Morant cross-court dishes in the half-court and transition.
Grizzlies have strengthened their three-point department with an additional prolific sniper alongside Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. Both Bane and Kennard shoot the ball at a top-perfect clip when given the opportunity. The downside as of late for both has been their availability. Both Grizzlies shooting guards failed to appear in more than 42 games last season. Jaylen Wells averaged a remarkable 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in five preseason games. His 48/44/75 shooting splits have proven he should be a viable rotation player this season. He’s not afraid to put the ball on the deck or shoot from various intermediate spots on the floor. Standing at 6’8, opposing defenders have to respect the rise of his jump shot regardless of location.
Southwestern Hospitality
Jaylen Wells was asked at media day about the confidence he has in the Memphis Grizzlies organization developing him properly into an optimistic expanded role. The rookie forward responded thoroughly about his approach to what the Grizzlies hope to be a bounce-back season in the gruesome Western Conference. Here’s what he had to say.
“Definitely, I think that’s great. I believe also throughout my career that’s kind of how I’ve risen. You know I’ve always kind of had to work for that spot and get that playing time, so I mean I’m happy that that’s possible here and that the staff even gives me the confidence that every day that they believe in me and stuff like that.”
Wells passes the advanced metrics test and the eye test. His ability to get acclimated this early with an abundance of established star-impact players has been stately and noteworthy. Wells never comes off of as erratic or unaware when he graces the floor. A forward that you don’t just leave open but also value because he’s willing to make the most beneficial read for the team. Wells’ talent and work ethic go hand in hand in embodying what it means to be a Memphis Grizzly. Jaylen Wells’ rookie season has all the ingredients to make him a remarkable one.
