The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have unearthed a gem in rookie Jaylen Wells. The first-year player had fans across the NBA in awe with his performance in the Grizzlies 127-125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves this past weekend. While the rookie did put up double-digit points, the Wells versus Anthony Edwards factor drew much of the attention, and for good reason.
Grizzlies Rookie Exhibiting Future Two-Way Stardom
Grizzlies Rookie Jaylen Wells Shows His Defensive Upside
The 2024 NBA draft class was speculated to be without any real excitement or pizazz going in back in the early days of last summer. There were a handful of talented young players, but overall, the draft excitement was lower than usual. That has all but changed since the season kicked off. Many draft selections have shown up and are balling out, including Wells, whom the Grizzlies selected in the second round.
Suffice it to say Wells is exceeding his rookie expectations to date. In fact, not only is he playing so well for a rookie, but he’s also become a fixture within the Grizzlies starting five. His offensive production and shooting efficiency are one thing—averaging 11.7 points and 37.1% from three-point range. On the other end of the floor, though, Wells’s defense is beginning to show its presence. Of course, most recently, his defense this season drew the most attention against Edwards in Minnesota on Sunday. Wells drew the Antman assignment for much of the 31 minutes he played. In that time, Edwards was held to 15 points on—get this—4-13 from the floor, including 0-5 from three. Wells didn’t guard Edwards on every possession, but he bore the brunt of Antman’s legitimatization as the league’s most terrifying offensive threat.
Wells has performed defensively all season. He’s started in 12 of Memphis’s 39 games, and he’s making a case, if not already, to remain a starter for the remainder of the season simply because he plays solid D.
Jaylen’s Effectiveness Runs Both Ways
The former Washington State standout has scored in double digits in nine of his 12 starts. He put up 30 points against the Sacramento Kings at the beginning of January. Earlier in the season, he scored 26 points against the Chicago Bulls. Additionally, seven times, Wells has scored 15 or more points. With his ability to score and the type of defense we’ve seen from him recently, Wells is on track to become an excellent two-way player.
Wells Proving to be One of Last Summers Best Picks
Stephon Castle, Zach Edey, Jared McCain, Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dalton Knecht are several rookies making noise this season. For some, it’s their offense. For others, like Edey, it’s their defense and paint protection. McCain, who was on pace to win Rookie of the Year, tragically suffered a season-ending injury in November. Before that, he was lighting it up for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Whose was the steal, though? Earlier in the season, Knecht was considered the draft steal due to his three-point shooting with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has cooled off since then, and his minutes and production have dipped. McCain would have continued to be the top rookie had he not gotten injured likely. So, does Wells’s emergence put him at the top of the “stolen” list?
The impact that Wells is having on both ends of the floor is proving to be the highest for his team as the NBA comes to the season’s halfway point. It’s a development that could land him as the 2024 draft steal, and Memphis couldn’t be more happy about it.
