MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NBA announced on Tuesday that Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played during October and November.
Wells, selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, started 15 of his 20 appearances and averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 25.3 minutes while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from 3-point range to help guide the Grizzlies to a 13-7 record (third in the West) through the end of November, according to a press release from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 21-year-old led West rookies in both scoring average and starts and ranked second among all qualified rookies in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. He placed fourth in minutes per game, said the press release.
Wells scored in double figures 12 times and scored at least 20 points twice: 20 points in Memphis’ Nov. 6 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers; and a career-high 26 points in the Grizzlies’ Nov. 23 road victory over the Chicago Bulls, in which he became the first rookie in franchise history to record at least six 3-pointers and at least six assists in the same game, said the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Sacramento native is the first Grizzlies player to earn Rookie of the Month honors since Ja Morant during the 2019-20 season, said the press release.
Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers was the recipient of the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award.
