As the NBA prepares to begin its conference finals matchups, the most important award in the sport remains unknown. However, the MVP award didn't stop the league from announcing the All-Rookie teams which featured no surprises on the Grizzlies' end.
Their starting rookie tandem of Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells capped off their successful individual seasons with NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. Wells, who started a surprising 74 out of 79 games this season, was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award before falling short in third place.
However, Wells became the first second round draft pick since the 2019-20 season to make All-Rookie First Team. He was the first non-first round draft pick to make the first team since the 2021-21 season (Houston's Jae'Sean Tate went undrafted).
Zach Edey, who was the number nine overall pick, made the All-Rookie first team after finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting. He started 55 out of 66 games and led all rookies in field goal percentage (58%).
While the Grizzlies' season didn't end the way they expected it to, their rookie duo accomplished something that hadn't been accomplished since another tandem they still have on the team earned honors.
Grizzlies are first team to have two All-Rookie first team members since 2019-20
The Grizzlies roster is made up of successful draft picks they have developed into quality players. Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke were the last rookie teammates to make the All-Rookie first team, including Morant winning Rookie of the Year in the 2019-20 season.
This also marked the fifth time in seven years the Grizzlies have had All-Rookie team members, beginning with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s first team nod following the 2018-19 season. The other two players who made the All-Rookie second team were Desmond Bane (2020-21) and GG Jackson (2023-24).
Also, the Grizzlies now have three instances in their franchise's history with multiple rookies making the All-Rookie first team. Pau Gasol and Shane Battier accomplished this feat following the 2001-02 season.
Memphis started two of the five best rookies in the NBA on a team that won nearly 50 games this season. That type of production for a team that is expected to be a contender can only bode well for the team's future as they hope to bring the city its first championship.
Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey have fit in seamlessly with their stars, so their future is very promising.