When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Jaylen Wells at No. 39 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, fanfare was minimal. Wells was a second-round draft pick who'd spent three collegiate seasons between Sonoma State and Washington State, and hadn't received the appropriate attention during that time.
As fate would have it, Wells is coming off of a rookie season in which he not only earned early accolades, but solidified his status as Desmond Bane's replacement.
Memphis traded Bane to the Orlando Magic in a deal that primarily centered around receiving four first-round draft picks and a 2029 pick swap. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will provide invaluable championship experience, but the Grizzlies seemingly prioritized the future with the controversial move.
Thankfully, Wells has already shown the potential to be able to take Bane's place in the starting lineup and provide cost-efficient value.
In 2024-25, Wells earned All-Rookie First Team honors and finished third in voting for Rookie of the Year. There were inevitable ebbs and flows, and his season ended in a devastating manner when he broke his wrist, but two-way value was instantly established.
Thankfully for the Grizzlies, Wells is already back on the court and picking up where he left off with strong showings at Summer League.
Jaylen Wells is proving he's ready for the moment at Summer League
Wells has shot poorly in his first two games since breaking his wrist, but his performances have been intriguing nevertheless. That began when he posted 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in 24 minutes, shooting 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, against the Boston Celtics.
It continued when Wells went off for 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 27 minutes, this time going 7-of-16 from the field and 2-of-5 from distance.
In both outings, Wells took chances and refused to allow his time away from the court to dictate his energy or intensity. He defended with his usual brand of infuriating tenacity, forcing the players he was matched up against to commit turnovers and abandon shots they otherwise would've taken.
It was a direct reminder of why Wells earned All-Rookie honors in 2024-25: For as well as he played on offense, it was his defense that made him an impact player.
There are clearly areas in which he must improve, as first-year players inevitably make mistakes. What Wells established, however, was that he has legitimate two-way potential as an individual who's willing to embrace a physical and all-out approach to hounding scorers and playmakers.
Those very characteristics epitomize why he could not only become a starter in 2025-26, but solidify his place in the lineup for years to come.
The biggest question mark will be his jump shot, but he buried 35.2 percent of his threes and 82.2 percent of his free throws as a rookie. Furthermore, he shot 41.7 percent from beyond the arc during his final collegiate season, which exemplifies the sharpshooting potential he possesses.
It's only Summer League, but Wells is picking up where he left off before the injury—and is well on his way to justifying Memphis' investment in him as Desmond Bane's replacement.