The new NBA.com Kia Rookie ladder reflects the Memphis Grizzlies in a major way as the Rookie of the Year race heats up. The most recent number one ranked rookie, Philadelphia 76ers' guard Jared McCain, suffered a torn meniscus that will have him sidelined for a while, leading many to believe his chances at winning the award are significantly diminished.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle has been on the rise recently and took over the number spot before he and Jared McCain were scheduled for a head-to-head meeting on December 23rd. As for the Grizzlies rookies Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey, their ranking remained in line with where they have both been in recent rankings.
Jaylen Wells falls to 4th
After ranking third in the last two Kia Rookie Ladder rankings, Jaylen Wells fell to fourth behind New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi this week. Jaylen Wells has remained as the starting small forward for a Grizzlies team that is spreading the scoring wealth and his game-by-game numbers reflect that.
Since scoring his career-high of 26 points on November 23rd at the Chicago Bulls Jaylen Wells has scored in double figures in six of the Grizzlies' last 10 games, which coincides with the return of Ja Morant to the lineup. Wells' game has transitioned well as the 3 and D wing the team needs from his position.
His fall continues in the rookie rankings but the Jared McCain injury news will cause him to eventually fall from his number two position. Jaylen Wells' battle with Yves Missi and Stephon Castle for best Western Conference will pick up when the team returns from the NBA Cup break.
Zach Edey rises two spots
The 7'4" rookie big man showed his value almost immediately in his first game back after missing 12 straight with an ankle injury. He notched a double-double against the Los Angeles Lakers as one of the only bright spots for the Grizzlies in a game where the majority of the team came out flat.
Edey not having much rust and shooting 6-8 from the field paid dividends in the Grizzlies' climb out of a 23-point deficit to only lose by six points in Los Angeles. That performance by Edey was enough to help him rise two spots in the new Kia Rookie Rankings from 10th to eighth.
Considering the players that are in front of him (including Jaylen Wells), expect Zach Edey to make a run back to the top of the rankings as soon as he gets his footing back and begins to challenge his teammate again for top rookie status in the league.