The Memphis Grizzlies' rookies are consistently one of the more consistent players on the team, although they have stumbled in their last three games. As the season winds down, their standing in the Rookie of the Year race becomes more solidified by the day as their performances are critical for the team's hopes to remain in the top half of the Western Conference standings.
While they continue to trail San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle in the Kia Rookie Ladder, the latest injury suffered to Jaren Jackson Jr. opens the door for Edey and Wells to step up their game even more in the Grizzlies' time of need.
Jaylen Wells retains the second ranking for the second consecutive week
After surpassing his fellow starting rookie teammate in last week's Rookie Ladder rankings, Jaylen Wells remained in the second position this week. Wells has scored in double figures in six of their last eight games, which included a 19-point outing against the Phoenix Suns where he scored seven of the Grizzlies' 14 points in overtime.
However, that overtime victory over the Suns was the Grizzlies' last victory over a week ago as Wells has been a part of three straight last-second shot losses. While the wins and losses won't matter much in this race (as evidenced by Castle's number one ranking), his consistency in contributing to wins has kept him in this race.
Jaylen Wells' minutes figure to only increase as he is the Grizzlies' most trusted young wing player at the moment while Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson continue to work themselves back into rhythm after missing a good portion of the season. Wells has a leg up on Zach Edey right now, but the Grizzlies' sudden need for frontcourt scoring could change that.
Zach Edey retains the third ranking for the second consecutive week
Zach Edey's restrictions and recent struggles have slowly left as he has put together three consecutive double-digit scoring games. After notching a double-double against the New York Knicks, Zach Edey looked nearly unstoppable in their loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night scoring 17 points on 7-7 shooting off the bench.
That also marked the first time he had come off the bench since their game against the Sacramento Kings on January 3rd. Considering it was because of matchup purposes, he returned to the starting lineup against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies lost their most consistent player early against the Hawks when Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a sprained ankle. While he figures to be out on a week-to-week basis, Zach Edey has a prime opportunity to take control of all the frontcourt scoring that will be needed until the All-Star returns.