{"id":113667,"date":"2025-01-01T18:00:23","date_gmt":"2025-01-01T23:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=113667"},"modified":"2025-01-01T18:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T23:30:00","slug":"jaylen-wells-rookie-of-the-year-klay-thompson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/01\/jaylen-wells-rookie-of-the-year-klay-thompson\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaylen Wells’ Massive Rookie of The Year Chances, Klay Parallels"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Memphis Grizzlies front office selected rookie shooting guard Jaylen Wells<\/a> 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<\/a> 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<\/a> this season.<\/p>\n

Jaylen Wells’ Massive Rookie of The Year Chances, Klay Parallels<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0who 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<\/a>, 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<\/a> has been satisfactory as well. Wells ranks fourth in DFG% amongst all rookies who have defended at least 250 FGAs.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 1, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n