JAYLEN WELLS NEWS

How Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells went from Division II to All-Rookie Team Candidate Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells discussed his unlikely journey from Division II to the NBA, what he’s learned from Marcus Smart, how J...

2 DAYS AGO • HOOPSHYPE.COM

Kia Rookie Ladder: Jared McCain, Jaylen Wells cap strong starts with rookie honors | NBA.com Philadelphia’s Jared McCain maintains the top spot in addition to being named the East Kia NBA Rookie of the Month.

DECEMBER 4 • NBA.COM

Jared McCain, Jaylen Wells earn Rookie of the Month honors NBA Communications: Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells and Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain have been named the Kia NBA Western and...

DECEMBER 3 • HOOPSHYPE.COM

Strong from deep in double figures Wells closed Sunday's 136-121 win over the Pacers with 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-7 3Pt), six rebounds and one assist over 26 minutes.

Impact Wells provided a nice spark from deep in Sunday's contest, connecting on a team-high-tying mark from three while ending as one of seven Grizzlies in double figures in scoring in a winning effort. Wells has connected on at least three threes in three of his last five contests while posting a double-digit point total in seven of the last 10 games.

DECEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Posts career-high scoring mark Wells registered 26 points (10-14 FG, 6-10 3Pt), four rebounds and six assists over 32 minutes during Saturday's 142-131 victory over Chicago.

Impact The rookie has been one of the most pleasant surprises among first-year players this season, and he delivered his best game of the campaign Saturday. Wells has performed better than expected this season and hasn't looked overmatched since being promoted to a starting role. The former Washington State standout has scored in double digits in nine of his 12 starts, and he's recorded at least 15 points seven times already.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Continues to produce as starter Wells registered 15 points (6-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound and one block in 26 minutes during Sunday's 105-90 win over the Nuggets.

Impact There's no question Wells has benefited from the injuries of players such as Marcus Smart (illness) and Ja Morant (hip) to enjoy a more significant role in his rookie year, but the former Washington State alum is certainly taking advantage of the opportunity. Wells has started nine games in a row and is averaging 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in that span, shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from beyond the arc. Wells should remain in a starting role until the Grizzlies' backcourt is fully healthy.

NOVEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Hits for 16 in Friday's start Wells contributed 16 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 27 minutes during Friday's 123-118 loss to the Warriors.

Impact Making his eighth straight start, Wells remained surprisingly productive. The 2024 second-round pick has averaged 13.6 points, 3.8 boards, 1.9 threes and 1.6 assists during his stint in the Grizzlies' starting five, but his window for consistent court time is likely about to end as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart were both in the lineup Friday, albeit coming off the bench, for the first time since Oct. 30. Once both veterans are back up to game speed, Wells should return to the second unit.

NOVEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Scores season-high 20 points Wells contributed 20 points (7-10 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal over 28 minutes during Wednesday's 131-114 victory over the Lakers.

Impact Wells has stepped into a starting role with Desmond Bane (oblique) and Marcus Smart (finger) sidelined, but the rookie out of Washington State is showing he belongs in the league. This 20-point output was a season-high mark for him, and it's worth noting he has scored in double digits in three of his four starts. He's not expected to remain a starter on a long-term basis, but he should continue to enjoy a considerable uptick in fantasy as long as Smart and Bane remain out.

NOVEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Jaylen Wells is a testament to the Grizzlies' excellent Draft scouting The Memphis Grizzlies are prepared to keep succeeding with their NBA Draft selections, as Jaylen Wells is already panning out well for the f...

NOVEMBER 6 • CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM

Struggles with shot Wells contributed six points (3-12 FG, 0-5 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and one block in 33 minutes during Monday's 106-104 loss to the Nets.

Impact Wells drew another start due to Marcus Smart (ankle) and Desmond Bane (oblique) both being sidelined with injuries. He was coming off two strong showings against the Bucks and 76ers, and while he couldn't generate much offensively Monday night, it was encouraging to his fantasy managers that his workload remained high.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Drops 16 points in first NBA start Wells ended with 16 points (5-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds and one assist across 36 minutes during Thursday's 122-99 win over Milwaukee.

Impact Wells made his first-career NBA start Thursday due to Marcus Smart (ankle) and Desmond Bane (oblique) both being sidelined with injuries. Wells finished the game tied with Scotty Pippen as the Griz's third-leading scorer behind Ja Morant (26) and Santi Aldama (19), and Wells made a team-high three triples in the win. Wells could be in the starting five against the 76ers on Saturday if both Bane and Smart continue to sit.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Rookie Jaylen Wells on having no homework but basketball and guarding Damian Lillard The 2024 second-round pick shares his excitement about making the starting 5.

NOVEMBER 1 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Enters starting five Wells is starting Thursday's game against the Bucks.

Impact Wells will draw his first NBA start due to the absences of Marcus Smart (ankle), Luke Kennard (foot), Desmond Bane (oblique) and Vince Williams (lower leg) to name a few. Wells should see significant playing time Thursday in the backcourt along with Scotty Pippen and Yuki Kawamura.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

Plays 18 minutes in win Wells supplied seven points (2-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and two assists across 18 minutes during Saturday's 124-111 victory over Orlando.

Impact The rookie has now amassed 18-plus minutes in each of the club's first three regular-season outings. However, Wells is shooting just 26.9 percent from the field thus far, and will likely remain behind Santi Aldama and Jake LaRavia off the bench.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Is Jaylen Wells already proving he was this year's steal of the draft? "Memphis could have the Rookie of the Year in Zach Edey and may have selected one of the draft's biggest steals in Wells.".

OCTOBER 19 • KANSASCITY.COM

Jaylen Wells shines in preseason Wells’ breakout performance could solve Grizzlies’ frontcourt depth issues.

OCTOBER 19 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Stuffs stat sheet in win Monday Wells ended with 12 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one steal across 27 minutes in Monday's 120-116 preseason win over the Pacers.

Impact With Desmond Bane (undisclosed) returning to game action Monday, Wells retreated to the bench and posted an efficient 12 points. The No. 39 overall pick of the 2024 Draft will likely struggle to pick up significant playing time in the regular season while buried behind Bane, Vince Williams (lower leg), Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and John Konchar. However, Wells' stellar play during both the Summer League and preseason bodes well for the possibility that he climbs the depth chart throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

OCTOBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Back to bench Wells won't start Monday's preseason game against the Pacers, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.

Impact With Desmond Bane out for undisclosed reasons, Wells drew a spot start Saturday against the Bulls and scored 24 points in 32 minutes. However, Bane is back, so Wells will come off the bench, though he could still see a sizable role given Ja Morant (ankle) and Marcus Smart (undisclosed) are unlikely to play.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 24 in spot start Wells finished with 24 points (9-18 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 2-4 FT), two rebounds, six assists and a steal across 32 minutes in Saturday's 124-121 preseason win over the Bulls.

Impact Wells was one of several non-regulars who started for the Grizzlies in this game looking to strengthen their cases for a rotation spot, and he certainly made his presence felt as an excellent scorer and capable playmaker. Wells' case for a rotation spot is far from over, though, and he can't feel confident about his chances since he'll compete with John Konchar, Vince Williams (lower leg) and Jake LaRavia for minutes off the bench in a best-case scenario.

OCTOBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up start Saturday Wells will enter the starting five in Saturday's preseason matchup versus the Bulls.

Impact While nothing has been officially announced, Desmond Bane is unlikely to suit up due to rest purposes, paving the way for Wells to start. The 21-year-old is not expected to play a prominent role for the club this season, and he will likely compete for minutes off the bench with John Konchar, Vince Williams (lower leg) and Jake LaRavia.

OCTOBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Posts 12 pointa in preseason loss Wells logged 12 points (4-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebiounds, three assists and two steals across 25 minutes in Thursday's 119-94 loss to the Hornets.

Impact Wells made a splash in the Summer League after being picked in the second round by the Grizzlies. Wells signed a four-year deal worth $7.9 million so they expect him to be a contributor right away. His spot on the depth chart should rise if he continues to log solid numbers in the preseason.

OCTOBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Favorites

See current odds on the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year, with favorites, longshots, stats and betting insights.

OCTOBER 8 • DATA SKRIVE