Similar to the Pelicans and Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to make away with a batch of gifted rookies from the draft. While each rookie is talented in their own way, they do all have questions about their game that they need to answer. Here is a question that each incoming rookie on the Memphis Grizzlies has to answer during the 2024-25 NBA season.
1 Question For Each Memphis Grizzlies Rookie
Zach Edey
Question: Can Edey Keep Up With the Speed of the NBA?
The Grizzlies selected Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey had a long and successful career at Purdue, serving as a towering center who could lock down the paint on one end and dominate the rim at the other. Edey can serve as an offensive hub when he is on the court. He can take his man one-on-one in the post using hook shots, dunks, and other post moves. Furthermore, Edey can be a solid playmaker out of the post, where he can hit the open man. On defense, his size and length can disrupt any attempts to attack the rim by opposing players. While Edey didn’t play much during Summer League due to injury, he showed his prowess in what little time he did play.
Without a doubt, Edey is a skilled player who can be impactful when placed in the right situation. However, one question surrounding Edey is whether he can keep up with the speed of an NBA game since he is of the traditional center mold and is quite slow. In Summer League and preseason, Edey managed to keep up with the game’s speed. If he can continue this into and throughout the regular season, it would be a massive win for the Grizzlies. He would most likely be playable as a starter for the team. Additionally, Edey would get a lot of minutes out on the court. It is a good sign that Summer League or the preseason didn’t overwhelm him, and hopefully, it trends into the regular season.
Jaylen Wells
Question: Can Wells Find a Way to Be a Factor in the Rotation for the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies selected Jaylen Wells with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. What Wells will bring to the Grizzlies from Washington State are his abilities as a shooter and his upside as a defender. Wells can knock down threes from deep and can do so in various ways. He also can attack closeouts and hit mid-range jumpers. On defense, he possesses good size for his position and has potential as an on-ball defender. Wells had a decent showing of his skills at Summer League, especially in a game against the Clippers. In that game, Wells scored an efficient 28 points and knocked down six out of the seven threes he took. Wells also impressed during pre-season as well, where he was a consistent positive out on the court.
Given his good play at Summer League and during the preseason, there is one important question surrounding Wells. That question is whether or not he can find a way to be a factor in the rotation for the Grizzlies. While it is unlikely that he will get much playing time when the team is fully healthy, Wells has shown that he has skills that could realistically put him out on the court. With current injuries to key players, including Jaren Jackson Jr, GG Jackson, Vince Williams, and Luke Kennard, Wells may find opportunities to earn more minutes in the eyes of the coaching staff. If he succeeds, the Grizzlies will have another deadly piece at their disposal on an already deep team. For Wells, it will mean a consistent role and minutes for the rookie. With luck, Wells continues to produce and be a factor for the Grizzlies throughout the season.
Cam Spencer
Question: Can Spencer Improve Defensively?
The Grizzlies acquired the draft rights to Cam Spencer, the 53rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, in a trade with the Detroit Pistons. Spencer makes the most of his impact on the offensive end of the court. He is a highly competent three-point shooter who can knock down shots in various ways. Additionally, he can score in the mid-range and at the rim, making him a three-level scorer. Not only that, but Spencer can operate well as a solid playmaker for his teammates. Spencer had an impressive showing at Summer League before getting shut down due to injury. He showed his ability to score the ball and did so efficiently.
While Spencer is a talented offensive player, his skills as a defender are a completely different story. So, the big question for Spencer is whether or not he can improve defensively. It isn’t likely that Spencer will get much playing time this season, but improving his defense will go a long way for minutes in year two. However, if the defense does come around to be serviceable this season, there is a possibility for playing time in case of injuries. Regardless, Spencer must work on becoming a better defender.
Yuki Kawamura
Question: Can Kawamura Prove That He Won’t Be A Defensive Liability?
Yuki Kawamura signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after a strong showing with the team during the preseason. Kawamura is a quick-twitch guard who can both play make at a high level and knock down shots from deep. Kawamura had an opportunity to show off his skills on the international stage during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he averaged 20.3 points and dished out 7.7 assists. He also shot 40.6% from three during the Olympics. Without a doubt, Kawamura can impact the court, especially on the offensive end.
Despite his abilities on the offensive end, Kawamura does not have the same impact on the defensive end. Largely, this is due to his height of only 5-foot-8, making it tough for him to be a good defender. Thus, the big question is whether he can prove that he won’t be a defensive liability for the Grizzlies. It will be difficult for him to succeed just because he is so short. However, he has shown in preseason that he will play aggressive on-ball defense and generally plays defense with a lot of energy. Despite his height, playing with energy and effort will go a long way in terms of becoming a better defender. Paired with his quickness and basketball IQ, there is a world where he can prove he won’t be a defensive liability. It won’t be easy, but Kawamura seems up for the challenge.
