The Memphis Grizzlies are winners of nine of their last 10 games in large part due to the consistency of their starting rookie duo. Jaylen Wells' defense on the opposing team's best perimeter players continues to be on full display while getting the national media attention as the Grizzlies have had three of their last 10 games on a major network.
Zach Edey has rebounded from his early 2025 struggles to show the potential he displayed during the first two months of his rookie season. While the Grizzlies rookies continue to make themselves comfortable in a long season, they find themselves close to competing with themselves for the Rookie of the Year award.
Jaylen Wells remains number 2 for the 2nd consecutive week
The Grizzlies starting small forward is making a case to not only make the All-Rookie first team but also to make an All-Defensive NBA team with his impact on that end of the court. Night in and night out he is tasked with guarding the best offensive weapon from the opposite team from nearly any position except center.
While he leads all rookies in total points, field goals made, three-pointers made, and field goal and free-throw accuracy, his offense is what is hindering him from taking over the top spot. Returning number one rookie, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, outpaced Jaylen Wells in their head-to-head matchup this week with 21 points to Wells' two points.
Wells has the better team surrounding him where his offensive game isn't relied upon on a nightly basis like Castle but the De'Aaron Fox trade might make Castle's situation similar. A key note in their matchup is that Castle attempted 17 shots to Wells' only three shot attempts to compare the current roles for both players.
Zach Edey rises to number 3
The Grizzlies starting center makes his return to the top three of the ladder after securing back-to-back double-doubles. He is learning how to provide value in less playing time as he has played less than 20 minutes in seven of their last eight games.
Before his 16-point, 14-rebound effort against Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in 25 minutes on February 3rd, he produced 14 points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks the night before. Considering those matchups against quality defensive bigs in Wembanyama and Bucks center Brook Lopez, Edey is well-equipped to challenge Wells and Castle for the top rookie honors.
The Grizzles' rookie duo is providing the best value they can on a team with championship aspirations around three All-Star caliber players. As long as they continue to fill their role to as close to perfection as possible, they will have a chance at winning the NBA's Rookie of the Year award at season's end.