Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey Shine on Kia Rookie Ladder – Weekly NBA Recap

Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey Shine on Kia Rookie Ladder – Weekly NBA Recap

November 16, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Memphis Grizzlies Rookies Shine in Recent Rankings

Injuries create opportunities for rookies on NBA teams. The Memphis Grizzlies have relied on young players like Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey as they move into the spotlight.

Jaylen Wells

Wells joined the Grizzlies after being drafted in the second round. He became a starter on Halloween and has significantly improved his performance. His scoring increased from 8.2 points per game to 14 points per game with a shooting percentage rising from 33% to 49%. His net rating also improved from minus-13.2 to plus-20.2.

Zach Edey

Edey has moved to a bench role recently but is seeing his numbers rise. His scoring, rebounding, and assist stats increased, as did his minutes played from 19.1 to 23 per game.

Weekly Highlights

  • Edey recorded five steals and three blocks over his last four games.
  • Isaiah Collier of Utah made his debut after a hamstring injury, contributing seven points, six rebounds, and four assists in his first start.

Key Focus for Rookies

Shooting efficiency remains a topic to watch. For example, Alex Sarr from Washington is averaging 9.2 points on 9.8 shots per game. Improving shooting percentages can help rookies solidify their roles.

Current Rookie Rankings (as of Nov. 12, 2024)

  1. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

    • Stats: 11.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.6 apg
    • Wells excelled against teams like the Lakers and Trail Blazers, averaging 15.7 points during that stretch.

  2. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

    • Stats: 11.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg
    • Greg Oden recently praised Edey’s impressive presence at 7’3″.

  3. Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards

    • Stats: 9.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.1 apg
    • Carrington made history as the youngest Wizards player to achieve a double-double.

  4. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

    • Stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.3 apg
    • Risacher scored 33 points against the Knicks, leading all rookies in scoring opportunities.
  5. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
    • Stats: 11.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.5 apg
    • McCain stepped up during Tyrese Maxey’s absence, averaging 22.7 points.

Next Five Rookies to Watch

  1. Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns: 7.0 ppg
  2. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards: 9.2 ppg
  3. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans: 6.6 ppg
  4. Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards: 9.6 ppg
  5. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs: 8.5 ppg

This ranking reflects how rookies can impact their teams early in the season.