It has been an up-and-down year for second-year starter Jaylen Wells. However, despite some offensive inconsistencies, his defensive performances led to him being selected to the Rising Stars Challenge for the second year in a row.
It hasn't been smooth sailing for Wells since a scary fall in Charlotte on April 8, 2025, that ended a strong rookie campaign. While he has continued to defend at a high level and take on some of the toughest defensive assignments in the entire NBA, he has had a very inconsistent year on offense.
A consistent Wells on offense would help Memphis significantly
Following the Desmond Bane trade, Wells was given additional responsibility and was expected to take a second-year leap on offense. Wells has raised his scoring average to 12 points, compared to 10.4 in his rookie season; however, he has been far less efficient on offense. Wells has had a strange mix of productive offense and extreme shooting slumps throughout the season.
For example, Wells' production in December and January accurately sums up the inconsistency of his sophomore season. December was the best offensive month of his season, as he averaged 14.8 points and shot 50% from the field and from three. However, the following month was a significant struggle as he averaged just 10.1 points and shot just 33.3% from the field and 24.7% from three.
There was some discussion about whether Jaylen Wells should come off the bench or not given his offensive slump. However, the current Grizzlies roster situation will keep Wells in the lineup and allow him every opportunity to finish the season strong. If Wells can be consistent offensively to finish the year, it bodes well for him being a long-term key piece in Memphis.
Wells will have plenty of chances to stand out
The Grizzlies' wing rotation has been interesting to monitor all season. GG Jackson II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper have recently been giving the Grizzlies quality minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was acquired in the Desmond Bane trade, was eventually benched and initially thrived in a bench role before struggling in January.
With players such as Vince Williams Jr. and John Konchar also being traded, Jaylen Wells will have plenty of opportunities to stand out and consistently remind everyone of the potential he still carries. While the Grizzlies will likely continue losing plenty of games, Wells will get increased reps that were not as available before the trade deadline.
The defense of Jaylen Wells will still give him a very high floor in Memphis; however, his offensive consistency will be the defining factor of how quickly he can help speed up the Grizzlies' rebuild.