Another week has passed for the NBA.com Rookie Ladder meaning a new ranking was released this week. Before their new ranking was released, ESPN joined the rookie ranking list with their first list since the beginning of the season on October 24th.
Jaylen Wells wasn't on ESPN's initial list as he wasn't expected to play as much as he has this season, let alone produce at the high level he has as a second-round draft pick. Zach Edey was number one on ESPN's first list in October as expected and continues to rehab a sprained ankle injury suffered two weeks ago.
After the announcement of Jaylen Wells as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October and November, here is how the rankings stack up for both Wells and Edey in the recent rookie rankings.
NBA.com: Jaylen Wells: 3rd, Zach Edey: 8th
There was no change in the latest NBA.com Rookie Ladder for the Grizzlies' rookie tandem. It was a pleasant sight to see that Zach Edey's injury, combined with other rookies not stepping up enough to overtake him, hasn't knocked him completely out of the top 10 rankings.
Zach Edey returned to team activities this week, meaning he should return at any moment's notice to rejoin the Grizzlies' big-man rotation. Jaylen Wells has remained steady as a starter for the Grizzlies and was the first Grizzlies rookie since Ja Morant in 2019 to earn a Rookie of the Month award, which ended in a Rookie of the Year campaign for Morant.
The top two rookies didn't change as Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaren McCain and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle remained first and second, respectively. Stephon Castle made a late push for the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award but Jaylen Wells was able to hold him off.
ESPN: Jaylen Wells: 4th, Zach Edey: 6th
Again, Zach Edey's fall can be attested to the ankle sprain that has caused him to miss the team's last eight games but he remains in the top five of rookies in points and rebounds. ESPN noted that he has had trouble with fouls when he was available but recovered from a slow start to the season to play up to the expectations the Grizzlies expected when they drafted him.
Jaylen Wells' rise was one presented with taking advantage of an opportunity that wasn't going to be there if everyone was healthy out the gate. He isn't a flashy player but he gets the job done and plays the perfect 3 and d role this team needs out of its wings.
ESPN and NBA.com disagree with their rankings after the top two, as Jaylen Wells is ranked below Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht. The Atlanta Hawks forward and number one pick of the 2024 draft, Zaccharie Risacher, is ranked above Knecht in the NBA.com power rankings as well, but the top five rookies are the same for both rankings.