Grizzlies’ Jaylen Wells Proves To Be Pleasant Rookie Surprise

Grizzlies first-year wing Jaylen Wells has moved into the Rookie of the Year conversation. Not bad for a guy who was picked in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft (No. 39 overall).

Well, 21, is 6-foot-7 and has appeared in all 60 games. He’s putting up averages of 11.4 points and 3.2 rebounds, shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers. 

He spoke with Spencer Davies of RG.org on the Rookie of the Year possibility. Keep in mind that second-rounders rarely win the award. But he’s just been that good.

“I mean, I don’t really focus on it,” Wells told Davies of the ROY race. “I’m focused on getting a championship. And if it just so happens… I feel like if I’m playing winning basketball, it should fall right into my hands. So that’s kinda how my mindset is.”

Wells has also started 55 games for a team that’s a true blue Western Conference contender. While the Grizzlies have lost two really close ones in two games (vs. the Knicks and Spurs), they’re right there.

Wells is a big reason why, with his willingness and ability to take on opposing standout wings.

“He has been tasked with a lot of the toughest matchups night in and night out,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters. “I think his discipline is the thing that has really stood out the most. He is definitely having successful moments and growth moments, as well. When he makes a mistake, he really corrects it pretty quickly.”

So it’s been so far, so really good, with Wells offering evidence you can find good players anywhere.

“I’m just always trying to make the winning play,” Wells told Davies. “Throughout my whole career, I’ve never been a ball-dominant person trying to ramp my stats. I’m just always trying to make the winning play, if that’s rebounding, playing defense. So if I have to play more off-ball, I feel like I’m really good off-ball. It’s a strength for me.”