Memphis Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells has impressed as a rookie, becoming a key starter for the West’s No. 2 seed, averaging 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and shooting .451/.382/.824 in 25.8 minutes.
He’s also played every game so far this season.
Wells, a former Division II player at Sonoma State before transferring to Washington, was picked 39th overall in the second round.
Despite that, he has the second-best odds for Rookie of the Year, trailing only Stephon Castle of the Spurs.
“I mean, I don’t really focus on it,” Wells said 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. So that’s kinda how my mindset is.”
Wells’ strong play has caught the attention of NBA stars, including Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell, who recently praised Wells’ shooting and defensive impact.
“He’s definitely really talented, and he’s only gonna get better,” Mitchell said. “They really rely on him to disrupt a lot of different things.”
Southwest Notes: Wells, Boston, Pelicans, VanVleet https://t.co/GHDbhQC9Co pic.twitter.com/meJGgQmUc7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 27, 2025
