The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2024 NBA Draft with a clear need at the center position and was rumored to be interested in multiple centers with their ninth overall pick in the first-round. After rumors of a potential trade up to the sixth position with the Charlotte Hornets to select current Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan, the Grizzlies stayed pact and selected Zach Edey.
The Grizzlies' other need going into the draft was shooting, which was an option at the ninth overall pick but the team decided to pass on current Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht to draft the bigger need. However, with two second-round draft picks the Grizzlies decided to select two players to fill the shooting need with Jaylen Wells at the 39th overall pick and Cam Spencer at the 53rd overall pick.
Each player showed early flashes in summer league and has continued that momentum into the regular season in different ways.
Zach Edey: A
Stats: 20 games, 21.9 minutes, 11.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 60.4% field goal %, 42.9% three-point %
The Grizzlies nailed their first-round draft pick who has slotted in seamlessly at the starting center position for the team. Zach Edey's 7'4" frame and agility were exactly what the Grizzlies needed from that position next to their three stars.
He started slowly with early season foul trouble that lessened his minutes but picked up steam before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for 12 games. Since his return, he has looked like a player that is more natural in his position and it has showed with his three double-digit rebounding games, including two double-doubles in six games.
He only had two double-digit rebounding games and double-doubles in his first 14 games and only played over 25 minutes in a game twice. He has since played over 25 minutes in four of his last six games, paving the way for a potential Rookie of the Year campaign.
Jaylen Wells: A
Stats: 33 games, 24.8 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 44.9% field goal %, 37.3 three-point %
Jaylen Wells wasn't expected to play a huge role for the team this season but was signed to a standard contract with the team instead of a two-way because of the team's belief he could produce and develop when called upon. They were right to make that gamble as he has been more than serviceable as a 3-and-D wing with the size that has taken over the starting small forward position.
Taking advantage of an opportunity opened up by injuries to other wings that were expected to be the main rotation guys has put Jaylen Wells at the front of the fold for now. He has been the best second-round draft pick from the 2024 NBA Draft by a large margin and is firmly in the Rookie of the Year race along with his teammate Zach Edey.
Cam Spencer: B-
Stats: Seven games, 11.6 minutes, 4.0 points, 42.1 field goal %, 44.4 three-point %
G League stats: Three games, 31.7 minutes, 28.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 60.8 field goal %, 56.3 three-point percentage
Cam Spencer's rookie campaign started with an early ankle injury before training camp that held him out until mid-November. He wasn't expected to play a big role with the team this season, and being signed to a two-way contract when the team had two open roster spots showed just that.
However, he has displayed the skillset that he was drafted for and that is as a shooter in both the Grizzlies and Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies G League affiliate) games. In his limited amount of playing time for the Grizzlies, Spencer has connected on four of his nine three-point attempts.
In his limited games playing for the Memphis Hustle Cam Spencer has lit the G League up, including a 51-point performance in his last game. He tied the record for second-most threes in a G League game in a 12-15 shooting performance from beyond the arc.
Mid-season Grade: A-
The only reason the mid-season grade for the Grizzlies' rookie class isn't an A or A+ is because of Cam Spencer's limited time playing for both the Grizzlies and Memphis Hustle. Each player has shown value as two are now starters alongside the Grizzlies' big three and Spencer has displayed the exact skillset he was drafted for.