The 2024 NBA Draft was often previously criticized, but the Grizzlies struck gold with the Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells picks. Originally selected 37th overall, Jaylen Wells has had an impressive journey, going from Division II Sonoma State to being a crucial rotation piece for the Grizzlies. Wells finished top three in the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year race but is still looking to recover his offense from last year.
As a rookie, Wells averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.9 minutes per game. Wells also shot 35% from three and flashed serious defensive upside. Despite cooling off after the All-Star break, Wells was one of the best rookies in the NBA. Unfortunately, a wrist fracture caused by a scary fall in Charlotte ended his season, and Wells is still struggling to make his outside shots again.
Despite a difficult ending to his rookie season, there was still optimism for Wells to make a sophomore leap. Players such as Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama benefited significantly from a full NBA offseason after their rookie seasons in Memphis. Wells looked ready for more responsibility this past summer league, but still faced the same shooting struggles that have carried over into this season.
The Grizzlies need Wells to get his rhythm back
Wells is currently shooting just 28.2% from three, which is less than 7 percent from last year. He is making just 46.8% of his two-point shots, compared to making 52.5% last season. However, arguably the most concerning aspect of his slump is free-throw shooting. Wells made 82.2% of his free throws last year, but is now down to a 69% free-throw percentage, well below league average.
Shooting struggles have continued to plague the Grizzlies throughout the season. The team currently has the 2nd-worst field goal percentage in the NBA at 43.1% and the 4th-worst three-point percentage at 32.3%. The Grizzlies need improved health, but multiple players, such as Jaylen Wells, must snap out of their shooting slumps.
Despite his current shooting struggles, Jaylen Wells is continuing to defend at a high level and is still a reliable connective piece in the starting five. Wells currently has a slightly higher usage percentage than last season at 17.9%, but an encouraging sign is that he has a higher assist percentage (10.0%) and a lower turnover percentage (6.4%).
Similar to GG Jackson II, Jaylen Wells is not the first young wing player to deal with a sophomore slump in Memphis. Wells continues to do a lot right without the ball, but a key piece of turning around his season will be making his shots again. If Jaylen Wells can end his shooting slump, he can replicate his impact from last season and give the Grizzlies another reliable scoring option.