The NBA kicked off its summer league sessions in the California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League, with the Memphis Grizzlies participating in the latter. They played a familiar opponent, albeit with totally different circumstances, in the Oklahoma City Thunder to begin play on July 5th.
They won their first of three summer league games in Salt Lake City against the Thunder 92-80 behind 20 points each by Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II. Wells, specifically, displayed a level of play that looked noticeably different than everyone else to the surprise of no one who paid close attention to the Grizzlies last season.
The 2024-25 Rookie of the Year finalist wasted no time showing why he started 74 of 79 games as a second-round draft pick in his rookie season. After his season ended prematurely due to a broken wrist injury sustained in a hard fall in early April, Wells returned to the court to get himself back in rhythm and prepare for his anticipated sophomore season, with additional fireworks following the 4th of July holiday.
Jaylen Wells will be a starter for the Grizzlies for years to come
Jaylen Wells was known as one of the Grizzlies' best defensive players throughout his rookie season and quickly showed it as he entered the starting lineup five games into the season. Entering his sophomore season, Wells is projected to be a starter either at the shooting guard or small forward position and he quickly proved why in his second summer league debut.
He scored 12 points and produced two steals and two assists in the game's first 20 minutes to lead the Grizzlies to a five-point halftime lead that had the Grizzlies fanbase raving about his performance. He displayed the same defensive intensity guarding his matchup full court and scoring primarily off the ball in a similar fashion as his role on the main roster.
He also displayed additional playmaking potential after finishing his rookie season, only averaging 1.7 assists per game. Wells was a 35% three-point shooter during his rookie season, but shot in the high 30s before hitting a rookie wall in March that lowered his percentage. On a smaller volume, he hit one of his three attempts in the Grizzlies' summer league debut.
Wells will be counted on to take the next step in his development following the departure of Desmond Bane this offseason and he provided some optimism in their first summer league game. The Grizzlies have the same sentiments and should be pleased with the progress he displayed against the Thunder's summer league team.