Zach Edey's usage rate and minutes have gone down since he returned from a two-game absence from Concussion Protocol. Before missing those two games, Edey had back-to-back games with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks against the Toronto Raptors, and 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks against the New Orleans Pelicans.
He hasn't had a double-figure scoring or rebounding game in any of the six games (five starts) he has played since returning from the injury. Some of that can be tied to usage, as he has only had one double-digit shot attempt game in the last six. Also, his early season foul troubles returned in two of his last three games including fouling out of their recent loss to the Houston Rockets.
Despite the struggles from Edey in the Grizzlies' last six games, his fall from grace isn't steep as he remains firmly in the Rookie of the Year race.
Zach Edey remains in the top 5
The NBA.com Kia Rookie Ladder only dropped Zach Edey one spot from four to five in this week's edition, below San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. His struggles are apparent but after two battles with the Houston Rockets and former Grizzlies center Steven Adams, Edey's game isn't a concern to the former starting center.
Zach Edey committed a total of 11 fouls in their two games against the Rockets while only totaling six points and 10 rebounds combined in the two games. However, Steven Adams had praise for the rookie stating he has really good potential and that he has to learn the NBA game.
FanDuel Sportsbook betting odds believe the same thing as Edey only fell to second in Rookie of the Year odds (+350) below Kia Rookie Ladder's back-to-back number ranking Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (+150).
Where is Jaylen Wells ranked this week?
Although Zach Edey fell in the new Rookie Ladder rankings and FanDuel Sportsbook odds, Jaylen Wells has remained in the third place ranking in this week's edition. He also rose one spot in the betting odds from fourth to third place (+500) jumping New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (+800), who fell to fifth behind Stephon Castle (+700).
Wells' shot has continued to fail him recently, as he shot only 38% from the field over the last week, but his defense has allowed him to garner some clutch minutes with the Grizzlies. Their last three games have come down to clutch situations and Wells has been tasked with defending the best scorer on the other team to finish.
He succeeded against the Minnesota Timberwolves, holding Anthony Edwards to 15 points on 4-13 shooting. Houston's Jalen Green was a different beast as he scored 42 points, including the go-ahead bucket, with under one minute to play on Monday night against the Grizzlies.
Jaylen Wells continues to be one of the surprising and best rookies in the NBA this season on both ends of the court. While the Grizzlies continue their search for a veteran wing to help their championship status this season, Wells figures to be a part of the rotation regardless of what move the Grizzlies can make or not make.