Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman's knack for finding talent in the second round of the NBA draft is unmatched, and this year was no different. The Grizzlies' rotation took a hit when former second-round picks and projected rotation pieces coming into the 2024-25 season, GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr., suffered pre-training camp injuries that have held them out so far on the young NBA season.
GG Jackson isn't expected back until late December or early January as he recovers from surgery for a broken metatarsal in his right foot. Vince Williams Jr. is closer to returning as he recovers from a stress reaction in the upper portion of his left tibia. He is expected to return in two to four weeks.
GG Jackson was on @RunItBackFDTV this morning and gave an update on his timeline. Expecting a Late December-January return
— Bryson Wright (@BrysonWright3) October 29, 2024
The most important thing is that he comes back 100% healthy🫡 pic.twitter.com/a5SouktJWt
While missing those two players and sharpshooter Luke Kennard (who is set to return any day), the Grizzlies had to dig deep into their arsenal of bench options on the wing and Jaylen Wells has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
After averaging 14.4 points in the preseason and hitting a buzzer-beater for a win during the Grizzlies' summer league championship game run, Wells has made sure to stamp his name and create a good problem for the Grizzlies to have when everyone returns from injury. Wells is leading all rookies in points per game average with 10.3 through seven games and just completed his first two career starts.
Jaylen Wells needs to remain in the starting lineup for the Grizzlies.
— Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) November 3, 2024
After only scoring in double-digits once through his first five career games off the bench, Wells scored his career-high and second career-high with 16 points and 15 points in the two starts against the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
He has shot 55% from the field and 50% from three while being a combined +40 and combining for 12 rebounds while on the court in his two starts. Also, his defense on Tyrese Maxey went viral as he had the 76ers star in disarray in their matchup.
LOOK AT THE CLAMPS 🔒
— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) November 3, 2024
YEAH ROOK 😤@jaylen_wells | @FDSN_Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/ZuHOyRNU7a
The Grizzlies signed Jaylen Wells to a standard contract as opposed to a two-way as a surprise to many after the draft but he has shown exactly why he was deserving. The wing position is one where the options can never not be too many and the Grizzlies have a plethora of young 3-and-D wings to their disposal.
Jaylen Wells has impressed to the point where the Rookie of the Year award could be at play if he keeps a spot in the rotation as others find their way back from injury. The rookie second-round pick has made an early statement to continue garnering playing time when others return and that is a good thing for a team that wants to return to their 2021-22 form with a deep bench unit.