In a strange season for the Memphis Grizzlies, there was one major bright spot: Jaylen Wells. Selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells had a unique journey to get to the NBA, starting his college career at Division II Sonoma State. He transferred to Washington State before his junior season, where he averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, eventually earning his way to the NBA.
While it was easy to see the promise in his game, Wells was viewed as a raw prospect and was unlikely to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Despite the odds being stacked against Wells, he began the season on the NBA roster and became a starter just six games into the season.