The Memphis Grizzlies haven't had much to be excited about in their preseason so far, as injuries have impacted their ability to view their lineups as a whole. However, due to injuries and resting veterans during their second preseason game, young players like Jaylen Wells have been thrust into more responsibility with good results.
After starting his first game against the Pistons, making his first two threes, Wells went on a cold streak, which ended with him only making one of his final eight field goal attempts to finish 3-10. While he showed growth in the playmaking department with three assists, he also had three turnovers.
With veteran newcomers Ty Jerome and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope out of the lineup in their second preseason game, Wells remained consistent with three assists and three turnovers again, but shot the ball better. He scored 21 points on only nine attempts, notably going 6-7 from the free-throw line. Wells' role won't be to lead the team in scoring, but he will need to continue to display playmaking aspects to take the next leap.
Wells can develop into one of their secondary playmakers
Trading Desmond Bane not only took away one of the Grizzlies' best scoring options, but it also took away their secondary playmaker in their starting lineup. While they added Ty Jerome to play that role coming off the bench with Scotty Pippen Jr., their new starting unit lacks the secondary playmaking upside.
While there will be growing pains for Jaylen Wells to take on some of that responsibility, he already had more assists in each of his first two preseason games than his 1.7 average during his rookie year. During his 79 games played in his first team All-Rookie campaign, Wells only had three or more assists in 15 of those games.
Furthermore, additional playmaking also involves scoring easier baskets by drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. After not getting a free throw attempt in their first preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, Jaylen Wells got to the line seven times against the Boston Celtics, something he only did twice in his 79 games played last season.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo mentioned that Jaylen Wells is being asked to provide secondary playmaking on the offense, and Wells even admitted to it on media day, saying he expects it to be inconsistent in the beginning. However, he has shown minor flashes during their first two preseason games, so the trajectory can be promising as long as he keeps the attention to detail.