Jaylen Wells is making a strong case for the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award, but personal accolades are not his focus.
The Memphis Grizzlies rookie is averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 37.4% from three on 4.9 attempts per game. His contributions extend beyond the box score, as he has started 52 of 57 games for a top-tier Western Conference team.
Despite his impressive play, Wells remains locked in on team success rather than individual recognition.
“I mean, I don’t really focus on it,” Wells told Spencer Davies of RG about 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.”
Wells’ impact is evident when comparing his role to other second-round picks from his class. While he has started 52 games for a top-three seed, the rest of his second-round peers have combined for just 37 total starts.
With the Grizzlies sitting at 35-17, Wells has played a key role on both ends of the floor.
His defensive assignments speak volumes about his importance to Memphis. In a recent national TV game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wells was tasked with guarding Donovan Mitchell for the full length of the court.
“For a second-round rookie [to face] guys like myself, Dame [Lillard], Book [Devin Booker], Ant [Edwards], Steph [Curry], he’s on the [scouting] report,” Mitchell said. “That’s a lot of respect to him.”
The numbers back up Wells’ defensive ability. In two matchups, he has held Booker to 0-for-11 shooting from the field. Lillard has managed just six points on 2-for-12 against him, while Edwards is 5-for-15 with another game left on the schedule.
“Just being able to guard any All-Star,” Wells said when asked about his toughest defensive assignments. “Damian Lillard. Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]. Just the ones that challenge me the most. Definitely Shai, Luka [Doncic]. Those are my favorite ones.”
While Wells remains focused on team success, his chances of winning Rookie of the Year are rising.
According to FOX Sports, Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs is the current favorite at -175 odds, but Wells follows closely at +550. Other contenders include Zaccharie Risacher (+800), Kel’el Ware (+1300), and fellow Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey (+2000).
