Following the Grizzlies' worst loss of the regular season, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey were announced as participants in the NBA's Rising Star Challenge for All-Star weekend. The acknowledgement came as no surprise as both players have arguably been the two best rookies throughout the entire league this season.
Edey and Wells have both remained in the top five of the Kia Rookie Ladder over the last month and their rise continued in its latest edition. While neither player is number one, their trajectory is getting close to one of them regaining the top spot before long.
Jaylen Wells climbs to number two
The Grizzlies' 6'7" primary wing defender in the starting lineup had his work cut out for him after guarding the 6'11" Lauri Markkanen when the Grizzlies played the Utah Jazz followed by guarding the 6'2" Jalen Brunson when the Grizzlies played the New York Knicks the following game.
The Grizzlies' versatile rookie not only has a hold on making an NBA All-Rookie team but is making a case to make an NBA All-Defensive team. The second-round pick continues to be a steady presence as the team's primary perimeter defender with Marcus Smart and Vince Williams Jr. continued absences from the lineup.
While all trade rumors are looking at the Grizzlies adding a veteran 3-and-D wing, Jaylen Wells figures to continue having a role with the team no matter the circumstances. He surpassed Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr for number two on this week's Rookie Ladder behind only San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle.
Offensively, Wells took a minor step back this past week as his points decreased from 11.9 to 11.7 points per game. However, his shooting remained consistent as he shot 40% from three over the Grizzlies' four games last week.
Zach Edey climbs to number four
The 7'4" giant from Purdue got back on track as he averaged 13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in the Grizzlies' last three games. He struggled since the calendar flipped to 2025 as he had no double-digit scoring or rebounding games during the team's first 10 games of the new year.
A 13-point and 11-rebound game against the New Orleans Pelicans team that is arguably the culprit for his recent struggles was just what the doctor ordered. His last double-digit scoring game came against the Pelicans on December 27th but he suffered a hit to the head that landed him in concussion protocol for the team's next two games.
The Grizzlies' prized rookie of the 2024 draft will look to continue his progress by working through the rookie wall as the team positions itself for a high seed.