The sophomore slump began early for Jaylen Wells, after finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting last season. Wells was the only 2024 second-round draft pick to make an All-Rookie team last season, and was the first since Eric Paschall in 2020 to make First Team All-Rookie as a second-round draft pick.
His impressive rise to a starter during his rookie season gave the Grizzlies confidence they could expand his role after trading Desmond Bane this summer. However, the transition to more responsibility had hindered Wells in the beginning of his second NBA season, as he regained his shot and the comfort level he had throughout his rookie season.