For the second year in a row, the Grizzlies will have multiple players featured in the Rising Stars Challenge. The team will be sending two sophomore players in Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer alongside rookie Cedric Coward. Wells will be making his second straight appearance in the Rising Stars Challenge, while Spencer and Coward will be making their first appearances.
The Grizzlies are currently sitting outside of a play-in spot, but the young talent on the team is a major bright spot. While second-year center Zach Edey would've likely been selected if healthy, the Grizzlies are still sending three players. In a year that has given the Grizzlies plenty of adversity, their young talent is still amongst the most well respected in the NBA.
Coward's rookie season is drawing significant attention
The draft selection of Cedric Coward has paid off in a big way for the Grizzlies. Selected 11th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward has significantly exceeded expectations in his first season. Despite a shoulder surgery in his last college season knocking him out of Summer League, Coward has looked as league-ready as any prospect in this most recent draft.
Coward is currently averaging 14 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his rookie season. While his upside was already evident, he is contributing as a starter much sooner than some anticipated before the season. Cedric Coward is currently on track to become a key piece of the Grizzlies' long-term future.
The Grizzlies struck gold in the 2024 NBA Draft
The Grizzlies successfully found value in a 2024 class that many considered weak. Jaylen Wells was selected 38th overall, and Cam Spencer's draft rights were acquired by the Grizzlies after being selected 53rd overall by the Detroit Pistons. Headlined by lottery pick Zach Edey, Wells and Spencer rounded out what could be one of the Grizzlies' most impactful draft classes in recent memory.
Jaylen Wells is currently averaging 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists and has started every game. Wells has had an inconsistent year offensively; however, he continues to be one of the best defenders on the team. Wells being in the Rising Stars Challenge for two straight years has solidified him as one of the biggest draft steals of the 2024 class.
After an injury-riddled rookie year, Cam Spencer is currently in the middle of his sophomore breakout season. Spencer is currently averaging 12 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Most notably, he is shooting 46% from three and is establishing himself as one of the best shooters in the NBA. Amongst the absences of Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ja Morant, Spencer has proven to be a reliable player for the Grizzlies.
The coming days will be challenging for the Grizzlies as trade rumors for stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. continue picking up steam. While it has been difficult to find positives for the Grizzlies lately, the young talent on the Grizzlies roster should inspire confidence in the near future.