The Grizzlies have started the 2024-25 season with a 4-4 record through eight games while running lineups that weren't expected to share much time on the court together. However, the injuries provided an opportunity for the Grizzlies' top two 2024 draft picks.
Zach Edey was expected to be a starter from day one immediately after he was selected with the ninth overall pick of the draft, so his playing time isn't a surprise. While his pick caused mixed reviews by the general public, many had him pegged as a Rookie of the Year favorite.
On the other hand, Jaylen Wells' minutes and impact have been a surprise this early in the season. He earned a full-time contract after being selected 39th overall in the draft, so there was some level of expectation for him coming in but not to the extent that has presented itself so far.
The success that Edey and Wells have generated in the Grizzlies' early season has been recognized by the NBA as both players ranked high in the first release of the NBA.com Kia Rookie Ladder.
Top Three rookie contributors
Slotting in at number one on the NBA.com Kia Rookie Ladder debut was Zach Edey. Considering his early struggles through the team's first four games, Edey's progress over the Grizzlies' last four games coupled with other rookies around the league not showing well made him an easy choice atop the rankings.
He is one of only two rookies to score 20 points in a game this season (Washington Wizards' Kyshawn George is the other) and leads all rookies in points per game, averaging 11.1 points. Back-to-back double-doubles, including his best performance of the season against the Nets with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks have him on a trajectory that will help him maintain the lead for the Rookie of the Year race.
Jaylen Wells came in at number three on the NBA.com Kia Rookie Ladder, behind Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington. The only reason why Jaylen Wells is not first or second on the list is probably limited to his bench role.
He has started the Grizzlies' past three games after coming off the bench for the team's first five games of the season and his presence in the lineup has been positive for a team missing a majority of their projected reserve unit.
He is tied for third in scoring among rookies (9.8 points per game) including averages of 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds as a starter. The Grizzlies will have tough decisions to make once the team is close to full health at the wing position as Jaylen Wells will look to keep a spot in the rotation.
Alongside the Grizzlies' two rookies in the top five of the Kia Rookie Ladder are the Washington Wizards' two lottery picks in the above-mentioned Bub Carrington and second overall pick Alexandre Sarr at number five. The Grizzlies and Wizards have a game later this week in what will be a battle of Rookie of the Year candidates.