News Summary
The Memphis Grizzlies celebrate as rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells are named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team for the current season. Edey, a center, led all rookies in key stats, while Wells excelled in three-pointers and free throw percentage. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, highlighting the promising future of these young players and their contributions to the team’s playoff aspirations. Their recognition adds to the Grizzlies’ proud history of developing standout talent.
Memphis Grizzlies Rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team for 2024-25 Season
Memphis, TN – The Memphis Grizzlies have made headlines with the announcement that new players Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have been selected to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team for the 2024-25 season, as revealed on May 20, 2025. This recognition highlights their impressive performances during their inaugural season in the league.
Zach Edey, who emerged as a key player in the team, is a center and was a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey established himself as the top-performing rookie in terms of both field goal percentage and rebounds, starting in 55 games for the Grizzlies. He concluded the season with an average of 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1.3 blocks per game. His shooting percentage was remarkable, hitting 58% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc.
Jaylen Wells, a wing player drafted in the second round, also showcased his skills, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting. Wells led all rookies in three-pointers made and free throw percentage while starting in 74 games throughout the season. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range. His contribution on the court was vital for the team, particularly as the season progressed.
This accomplishment marks a significant moment for the Grizzlies, as it is only the third instance in the franchise’s history that multiple players have made the All-Rookie First Team. Previously, in 2020, Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke earned this distinction, and in 2002, Pau Gasol and Shane Battier were both honored.
Alongside Edey and Wells, other members of the All-Rookie First Team included Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards. Notably, both the Grizzlies and Wizards were the only franchises that featured multiple players on the All-Rookie list.
During the season, the Grizzlies achieved a playoff berth, showcasing their development throughout the year. However, news broke that Wells sustained an injury during the postseason, which limited his involvement in the playoffs. Despite this setback, both rookies played pivotal roles throughout the regular season, and their contributions helped define the team’s success this year.
The All-Rookie teams were determined by votes from a global media panel comprising 100 voters, reflecting a wide-ranging and informed selection process. The inclusion of Edey and Wells not only highlights their potential future in the NBA but also underscores the ongoing efforts of the Grizzlies’ management to build a competitive team centered around young talent.
As the Grizzlies look forward to the coming seasons, the recognition of Edey and Wells serves as an encouraging sign for the franchise’s future and the development of its emerging stars. Their performances will likely attract significant attention in the league, as both players aim to build upon their impressive rookie campaigns and contribute further to the success of the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: 2024 NBA Draft
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Search: Zach Edey NBA
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Jaylen Wells
- Daily Memphian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA All-Rookie Team
- Beale Street Bears
- Google News: Memphis Grizzlies
