Jaylen Wells

Uniquely doubling as both the NBA’s No. 1 scoring bench, and its No. 2 in points by rookies, the Memphis Grizzlies, once more, find themselves capable of delivering an on-court experience unlike that of any other. Hand-in-glove in his fit into that process, Jaylen Wells looked the part almost immediately, as the something-to-prove Grizzlies entered Salt Lake City intent on building Day One momentum. The contributions from Wells — No. 1 in rookie points at the halfway mark despite being a second-rounder — came about as one would anticipate: poised, accurate catch-and-shoot triples, a sprinkle of playmaking, and helpful defensive resistance. Finally presented with a relatively-clean bill of health, the Grizzlies benefitted, securing a thrilling two-point win over the Utah Jazz on October 23, 2024. In what became a healthy precursor of what his individual Chapter 1 would include throughout 2024-25, Wells, leading the bench in minutes, chipped in six points, one assist, one steal, and a +10 plus-minus.

Three-Star Rookie