The Memphis Grizzlies have had their fair share of injuries, but their most consistent player to be available has been rookie second-round pick Jaylen Wells. After being selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Washington State University, the 6'7" 3-and-D wing was expected to provide minutes here and there for the Grizzlies.
However, injuries offered Wells an opportunity to play and he proceeded to reward the Grizzlies with steady play in his role after being signed to a standard contract after being drafted. He has started 42 of 47 games and is tied with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle for leading rookies in points per game with 11.7.
The Grizzlies prized draft pick, number nine overall pick Zach Edey, has provided a steady presence at the center position for a team severely lacking that last season. He was leading the rookies in scoring earlier in the season before injuries sat him down on two occasions, leading him to battle back to become consistent again.
After struggling to begin 2025 after returning from concussion protocol, Edey has found his footing again averaging 13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in his last three games. He leads all rookies in field goal % (58.0) and is second in rebounds per game (7.5).
The Grizzlies' rookie pair are full-time starters for a team with championship aspirations and are being recognized for their performance over the first half of the regular season.
Edey and Wells made the Rising Star Roster
The 2025 #CastrolRisingStars Player Pool! @CastrolUSA
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
NBA Rookies and Sophomores will be drafted onto three teams on Tuesday, Feb. 4 (4:00pm/et on the NBA App & @NBA), with NBA G League Players to comprise the fourth team. The four seven-player teams will compete in the mini… pic.twitter.com/8BcIRAZc4J
To the surprise of no one, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells made the pool of players for the Rising Stars Challenge during the NBA's All-Star weekend. In the past, rookies played against the sophomores, however, the teams are now split into four separate teams to play in a mini-tournament. This means there is a chance that Wells and Edey will play on opposing teams.
There is a new twist with the format this year with the winner of the tournament being able to square off against an NBA All-Star team during what was the NBA All-Star game in the past. The NBA All-Star game will consist of the 24 All-Stars being split into three teams and playing in a mini-tournament.
All-Star weekend presents an exciting opportunity for Wells and Edey to play against each other and possibly play against one or two of their teammates if selected for the All-Star game.
Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey deserve this honor and continue to drive home the point that no team is better at finding undervalued talent than the Memphis Grizzlies.