When the Memphis Grizzlies front office selected rookie shooting guard Jaylen Wells with the 39th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, they were not expecting their now starter to be such a transcendent addition. The exceptional rookie two-guard has exceeded expectations for what is now considered a Western Conference juggernaut. The Grizzlies have won seven of their last ten but the injury bug remains an alarming hurdle for Taylor Jenkins. With multiple Grizzlies regulars expected to miss an extended period, the 21-year-old swing guard can assert himself further as a more prominent candidate on a national level. Wells has been a major component in the Grizzlies’ perseverance this season.
Jaylen Wells’ Massive Rookie of The Year Chances, Klay Parallels
During the season, Jaylen Wells is averaging 11.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game. Wells shoots the ball proficiently from all three levels, posting a 56.6 TS%. That mark ranks ninth among all rookies who have made at least 20 appearances and are playing at least 15 minutes a game this season. Wells has flawlessly slid into the Grizzlies’ starting unit as a complementary impactful player on both sides. In last night’s 117-112 road defeat of the Phoenix Suns, Wells held superstar guard Devin Booker to 0-8 shooting from the field and a forced turnover. The rookie swing guard’s point-of-attack play defensively has been satisfactory as well. Wells ranks fourth in DFG% amongst all rookies who have defended at least 250 FGAs.
Jaylen Wells is doing a nice job in ball denial defense against Kevin Durant. But the Suns are doing nothing to try and free up KD either. He’s basically being completely taken out of the play. Set a screen and get him some space.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 1, 2025
Wells’ valuable 36.7 3P% has been a quality added dimension to the Grizzlies’ half-court offense. There have been 18 different 3-man Grizzlies lineups that have played at least 150 minutes in total this season. Of those 18 qualified rotations, Wells is a part of three of the top four lineups in net rating. His presence has kept driving avenues gaped for shot creators Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to effectively facilitate without being neutralized. Even with questionable contributions from Jaylen Wells, Jake LaRavia, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Jay Huff coming into the season, the Grizzlies were mounted with heavy expectations. Jaylen Wells’ ability to be a high-level three-point shooter, screen navigator, above-average point-of-attack option, and secondary scorer this early has paid dividends. His valuable contributions in multiple facets paired with his quick adaptable maturation have made him a diamond in the rough for GM Zach Kleiman.
Cougar-Like Impact
It’s unprecedented for a non-lottery rookie guard/wing to be this prepared and impactful in the starting unit for a conference contender. Especially at the guard position, with the degree of talent that is preserved there. Taylor Jenkins has not shied away from challenging Wells by assigning him the game’s most dangerous three-level scorers. Wells is not some high pedigree 1% athletic guard that leaves you astonished with his vertical and physique. Despite his slight frame, he is quicker than given credit for off the dribble. Top-level defenders still can close off Wells’ lanes when they utilize their tenacious physicality. Wells will only improve in that department as his size rounds out.
When off-ball, Wells will often relocate to keep the flow of the offense persistent. His 3-point catch-and-shoot prowess forces coverages to respect his outside shot, but Wells has shown dynamic moments when he attacks. Wells doesn’t shy away from physical contact at the rim. He niftily gets into the paint to create scoring opportunities. His patent turn-around jump shot has become a go-to move in his repertoire when defenders close out his drives. There’s already a plethora of ball-handlers established on the Grizzlies roster.
There’s no telling what Wells’ potential is as an on-ball threat. Future first-ballot and four-time NBA Champion Klay Thompson was also an under-the-radar prospect from Washington State. Similarly to Thompson, Wells has made his immediate splash with his outside shooting ability and his two-way role versatility. Jaylen Wells has an opportunity to become a well-known name on a national scale, in just his rookie year.
