Where Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells rank in the NBA rookie rankings

by Junna Base November 14, 2024

LOS ANGELES – Two Memphis Grizzlies players are among the early front-runners for top rookie honors.

Wing Jaylen Wells and center Zach Edey were ranked first and second, respectively, in the NBA’s latest KIA rookie rankings. Both players have now finished in the top three in the first two editions of the weekly rankings.

Edey’s inclusion isn’t a huge surprise. The ninth overall pick and two-time collegiate national player of the year was already considered the favorite to win the rookie of the year award before the season. He is averaging 11.2 points and a rookie-high 6.6 rebounds in 11 games.

However, Wells is causing a stir. Wells, a second-round pick (39th overall) out of Washington State, has climbed up the rookie rankings by taking advantage of extra playing time due to injuries around Memphis. He averages 11.4 points and shoots 39.2% on 3-pointers. Both stats rank in the top three for rookies.

Wells saw the first rookie rankings, in which he finished third, and admitted it was “cool” to see his name on the list, but he doesn’t want to get too caught up in chasing the rookie award of the Year” of the NBA.

“You know, I talked to my mom about it, and you know, I don’t really care anymore,” Wells told The Commercial Appeal about the Rookie of the Year award.

However, there is an exception. Wells wouldn’t mind winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award if he could help accomplish something that has only been accomplished three times in league history.

“It would be cool to see me and Zach get it or if Zach gets it,” he said. “I think if me and Zach got it for Memphis, that would be really cool.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

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