3 must-watch Grizzlies heading into 2024 NBA Summer League
By Mark Nilon
After a few short months of dormancy, the Memphis Grizzlies finally find themselves gearing up for in-game action... at least, some of the organization's members are.
Monday night serves as the official start of the 2024 NBA Summer League, and slated to participate are a slew of players both new and familiar to the organization who will be looking to make their presence felt with positive play and high-end efforts on the hardwood right from the jump.
While there are a ton of individuals who find themselves drawing interest with their game one tip-off against the Utah Jazz rapidly approaching, there are a select few, in particular, who are deserving of "must-watch" status.
Grizzlies Player No. 3) Jaylen Wells
Though he may have dropped to the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Jaylen Wells is a prospect that has generated a ton of buzz and intrigue from fans and media pundits alike since being snatched up at 39 overall.
After dominating the Division II level of college basketball from 2021-2023, even being crowned CCAA Player of the Year during his final season with Sonoma State, the 20-year-old took his talents to Washington State where he served as a key cog during his one-and-done campaign in the Cougars' offensive system.
TIE BALL GAME! Jaylen Wells buries the shot from downtown after a short break to eject a UCLA Bruin for a Flagrant 2.#GoCougs // #CVE // @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/y7tXYdldmq
— Washington State Men's Basketball (@WSUCougarsMBB) March 3, 2024
With his quick release and steady footwork, Wells went on to post 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting a highly efficient 41.7 percent from distance on 4.9 attempts per game.
Considering his electrifying spot-up and pull-up shooting accuracy from virtually anywhere on the hardwood, coupled with his impressive 6-foot-8 frame, it is the hope of the Grizzlies that he can turn into a stud sniper for the franchise out on the wing, and, with their decision to sign him to a four-year, $7.9 million deal with $3.4 million already guaranteed, it appears the team is confident in his ability to do so.
This year's Summer League will give fans the opportunity to build up their confidence in the way Zach Kleiman and company seemingly have.