In a strange season for the Memphis Grizzlies, there was one major bright spot: Jaylen Wells. Selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells had a unique journey to get to the NBA, starting his college career at Division II Sonoma State. He transferred to Washington State before his junior season, where he averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, eventually earning his way to the NBA.
While it was easy to see the promise in his game, Wells was viewed as a raw prospect and was unlikely to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Despite the odds being stacked against Wells, he began the season on the NBA roster and became a starter just six games into the season. Wells capitalized on his early opportunities and ended up starting 74 games as a rookie.
Jaylen Wells shattered expectations given where he was selected in the draft. Wells finished 3rd in the Rookie of the Year race, finishing behind just Zaccharie Risacher and Stephon Castle, both being top-five picks. Wells also made the NBA All-Rookie First Team alongside teammate Zach Edey. Most importantly, Wells was the only rookie selected outside of the first round to make an NBA All-Rookie Team.
Jaylen Wells showed impressive two-way value as a rookie
In 79 games, Wells averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 42.5/35.2/82.2 shooting splits. Wells showed significant promise as a three-point shooter before cooling off over the last couple of months. Another reliable scoring tool Wells used was his decel step at the rim. Despite some areas to work on, Jaylen Wells showed the potential to eventually become a dangerous three-level scorer.
The key area in which Jaylen Wells made his impact as a rookie was his defense. Jaylen Wells was one of the Grizzlies' most disruptive defenders all season. Wells showed the potential to become one of the best NBA defenders eventually. Some of his best defensive performances included Steph Curry's two-point game and his perimeter defense on Anthony Edwards in both wins against the Timberwolves.
The next evolution of his game is promising
Offensively, Wells has a promising foundation to build on. However, the main area for offensive growth will be his playmaking. The Grizzlies have other quality playmakers on the roster, but Wells will need to make a playmaking leap, especially after trading Desmond Bane. Another area to build on for Wells is to continue getting even more comfortable attacking off the dribble.
Jaylen Wells showed his ability to lock down some of the best scorers in the entire NBA. While Wells should continue being a disruptive on-ball defender, Wells can continue growing as a defensive playmaker and creating more deflections off the ball. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo is making it a priority to raise the Grizzlies' defensive intensity, and Wells has the chance to lead the Grizzlies back to being an elite defense alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Despite being a second-round pick last season, Jaylen Wells has not only shown that he belongs in the NBA but also that he could end up being one of the Grizzlies' most important long-term pieces. Following the Desmond Bane trade and Tuomas Iisalo becoming the full-time head coach, Wells will be under more pressure to succeed in the starting lineup. However, a playmaking leap on both sides and more confident shot creation could make him one of the best 3-and-D players in the league.