Rising Grizzlies Rookies Take NBA by Storm: Wells and Edey Lead the Pack
In an unexpected turn of events, the Memphis Grizzlies have found themselves with not one but two standout rookies dominating the NBA’s latest Kia Rookie Ladder. Jaylen Wells, the 39th overall pick, has climbed to the number one spot, while his teammate Zach Edey holds strong at number two.
Wells, who joined the Grizzlies from Washington State, has shown remarkable improvement since joining the starting lineup on Halloween. His numbers tell an impressive story: from 8.2 points and 33% shooting as a reserve, he’s now averaging 14 points per game with 49% shooting accuracy as a starter. The rookie’s impact is clear in the team’s performance, with his presence resulting in a positive net rating of plus-20.2.
Meanwhile, Edey, the towering 7-foot-3 center, continues to make his mark despite moving to a bench role. His efficiency has actually improved, with increased production across all major statistics.
Former NBA player Greg Oden recently praised Edey’s adaptation to the professional game, noting how his height advantage has translated well to the NBA level.
The Grizzlies’ success with these rookies comes at a crucial time, as the team faces numerous injury challenges. This situation has created opportunities for both players to showcase their talents, and they’ve certainly delivered.
Wells has been particularly impressive in recent games, helping the team secure decisive victories against strong opponents like the Lakers, Wizards, and Trail Blazers.
When asked about his placement on the rookie ladder, Wells showed remarkable maturity in his response. “You know, I was talking to my mom about this, and you know, I don’t really care anymore,” he told The Commercial Appeal.
However, he did express interest in one particular scenario: achieving something that’s only happened three times in league history—having teammates share rookie honors.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Wells: 11.4 points per game, 39.2% from a three-point range
- Edey: 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds per game (leading all rookies)
Their success is even more impressive considering this rookie class was initially predicted to be relatively weak. Both players have exceeded expectations, with Wells emerging as one of the draft’s biggest steals and Edey proving his collegiate success wasn’t a fluke.
The Grizzlies’ investment in these young talents appears to be paying off, providing a bright spot in what has been a challenging season. Their performance not only helps the team now but also suggests a promising future for Memphis basketball.
As the season progresses, both Wells and Edey continue to develop their games and adapt to the NBA’s demands. Their success story serves as a reminder that great talent can emerge from any draft position, and sometimes the best rookie combinations come from unexpected places.
The question now becomes: Can these two teammates maintain their impressive performance and potentially make history as co-recipients of rookie honors? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the Grizzlies’ future looks bright with these two rising stars.