The Grizzlies' quartet of new rotation players are keeping them alive in the west

Zach Edey is proving doubters wrong early in his rookie campaign.

The skepticism surrounding Zach Edey's game has finally vanished. After winning back-to-back National Player of the Year awards at Purdue, the 7-foot, 4-inch giant fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA draft. Memphis surprised many with the lottery selection of Edey ninth overall, but the Grizzlies' plan for their rookie center has looked worth the draft pick so far.

Considered one of the NBA's worst draft classes, it's lived up to that expectation with nearly a fourth of the season complete. Edey has stood out as one of the few bright spots. In 14 games (nine starts), Edey is averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, and one block per game in 20 minutes per contest. The most impressive part of Edey's game has been his efficiency.

The 22-year-old is shooting 61 percent, 60 percent from three (6-10 on the season), and 67 percent on free throws. The emergence of the three-point shot makes Edey an even more difficult player to defend. Edey used his size and rim presence to complement former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., and it has paid dividends for the Grizzlies' already average defense.

Jaylen Wells is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year.

Jaylen Wells is known for surprises. One of Washington State's top three players last season, he helped lead the Cougars to the NCAA tournament and an AP ranking in the top 25, both first-time marks for the program since 2007-08. The 25-10 record tied for the most wins in program history. Now, he's surprising the NBA world with his recent performances and strong start to his rookie year.

Wells, like Scottie Pippen Jr., has stepped in Ja Morant's and Desmond Bane's absence. The 6-foot 7-inch wing has played all 17 games for Memphis (12 starts). In 2024, Wells is averaging just under 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game. Again, just like Pippen Jr., Wells has been an efficiency monster, shooting 46 percent (41 percent from three) in 26 minutes per game.

Wells and Pippen Jr. look like a formidable duo not named Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in the backcourt, giving Memphis reliable options, something the team has lacked since the departure of Tyus Jones. Add Marcus Smart, and head coach Taylor Jenkins has plenty at his disposal to use.