Jaylen Wells has been a huge second-round hit for the Grizzlies and has shown that he can have a winning role in Memphis long-term. The biggest question surrounding Wells is whether he should still remain a starter or if he is more of a high-quality bench option on a team that hopes to contend in a few years.
His future in Memphis should not be in doubt; however, the Grizzlies must figure out his best role sooner rather than later.
Originally selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jaylen Wells has already exceeded expectations despite having an inconsistent offensive sophomore season. Unfortunately, Wells just had his second straight season-ending injury as he needed surgery to stabilize his right big toe.
Jaylen Wells averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 69 games on similar efficiency to his rookie season. Wells has certainly improved offensively and taken on some of the toughest defensive matchups in the league. However, it is fair to question how high his ceiling is as a starter past this season.
Good player but potentially wrong role?
Personally, I always love seeing second-round picks develop into crucial rotation pieces throughout the NBA and especially with the Grizzlies. Having started his college basketball career playing at Division II Sonoma State, Jaylen Wells has had an impressive leap into becoming a key piece for the Grizzlies. Despite making legitimate improvements and the Grizzlies having another major injury crisis this season, Wells could potentially be better optimized in a key bench role.
Following the Desmond Bane trade, more offensive responsibility was put on Jaylen Wells given the Grizzlies' original plan to retool around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Wells at times showed stretches of being a more comfortable scorer, but he had multiple cold streaks offensively. Coming off the bench, he can still guard some of the best offensive players in the league while also dealing with less pressure to create shots offensively.
There will likely be increased competition past this season
There are two paths to consider. One, the growth that GG Jackson II has shown in his third season has led to some belief in him potentially becoming a long-term starter in Memphis. Two, given how stacked the 2026 NBA Draft is and the significant future draft capital the Grizzlies have, the team has the ability to draft a high-upside wing or make a future trade.
Jaylen Wells has already shown the signs of being a high-impact defender for a long time, but he will have to become more consistent offensively to lock down a starting spot long-term. The Grizzlies have significant flexibility to get back to playoff contention relatively fast, but sooner rather than later, they will have plenty of decisions to make in order to build a contender.
The question should not be about Wells' future in Memphis but whether he is better served as a key bench player or if he can still be a starter past this season.