Jaylen Wells Bio
Jaylen Wells is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays the small forward position and wears number 0 for Memphis. Wells played college basketball for the Sonoma State Seawolves and the Washington State Cougars before entering the 2024 NBA draft. He was selected with the 39th overall pick in the second round by the Grizzlies.
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Wells emerged as a standout scorer at Folsom High School before continuing his development at the college level. After two seasons at Sonoma State and one at Washington State, he made the jump to the NBA and quickly earned recognition as one of the top rookies in the league. He is listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall and 205 pounds.
Early Life and Background
Jaylen Wells was born on August 26, 2003, in Sacramento, California, in the United States. He grew up in the Sacramento area and attended Folsom High School, located in the nearby city of Folsom. His early life centered on family, school, and a steady introduction to organized basketball through local programs and school teams.
As a senior at Folsom High School, Wells averaged 26.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His strong senior season earned him area Player of the Year honors from The Sacramento Bee, recognizing him as one of the top high school players in the greater Sacramento region. Following that performance, Wells committed to play college basketball at Sonoma State University, a Division II program located in California.
Path to Basketball
Wells began his college basketball career with the Sonoma State Seawolves of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). During his freshman season, he averaged 12.6 points per game as he adjusted to the college level. His development accelerated in his sophomore year, when he averaged 22.4 points per game and was named the CCAA Player of the Year. He was also selected as a First-team All-CCAA player for that season.
After his strong sophomore campaign at Sonoma State, Wells entered the NCAA transfer portal and moved to the Pac-12 Conference to play for the Washington State Cougars. He entered his junior season as Washington State’s starting small forward and averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Following the season, Wells declared for the 2024 NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility, then ultimately decided to remain in the draft.
Jaylen Wells Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
Wells started his college career at Sonoma State, where he spent two seasons developing into one of the top scorers in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. His scoring average jumped from 12.6 points per game as a freshman to 22.4 points per game as a sophomore, a leap that reflected major growth in his offensive game. His sophomore honors from the CCAA confirmed his status as one of the conference’s most impactful players.
His time at Sonoma State laid the foundation for his move to a higher level of competition. By the end of his sophomore year, Wells had established himself as a skilled wing scorer with the size, length, and shooting ability that college and NBA scouts look for in a modern small forward. That profile encouraged him to test himself against stronger competition.
Washington State Cougars (2023–2024)
Wells transferred to Washington State University for the 2023–24 season and joined the Cougars as a starting small forward. He averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, providing the Cougars with a reliable scoring presence on the wing. His experience at the Division I level helped him refine his game against tougher, more athletic competition.
After the season, Wells declared for the 2024 NBA draft while also briefly entering the transfer portal. He later confirmed that he would remain in the draft, forgoing any additional college seasons. His decision was supported by strong workouts and pre-draft evaluations, which led to his selection by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies Era (2024–Present)
On June 27, 2024, Jaylen Wells was selected with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed his rookie contract with the team on July 6, 2024. Wells made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, appearing in a 126–124 victory over the Utah Jazz in the season opener.
Wells quickly carved out a role in Memphis. On October 31, 2024, he made his first career start against the Milwaukee Bucks and scored a then career-high 16 points. On December 3, 2024, he was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October and November, becoming the 16th Memphis Grizzlies player to receive the honor. In his first 20 games, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 25 minutes while shooting over 45 percent from the field.
On April 8, 2025, Wells suffered a broken right wrist in a game against the Charlotte Hornets, ending his rookie season just before the playoffs. His 10.4 points per game ranked fourth among eligible rookies that season, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2025. During the 2025–26 NBA season, Wells started 69 games and averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, before a season-ending surgery on March 29, 2026, to address a tendon avulsion fracture in his right big toe.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wells is a 6-foot-7 small forward whose game is built around scoring efficiency and perimeter shooting. He is a reliable shooter from the field, having shot over 45 percent during his first NBA month, and he contributes as a rebounder and playmaker for his position. His size, footwork, and ability to score at multiple levels allow him to fit comfortably as a starter on the wing for Memphis.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wells was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month in December 2024 and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2025. He scored a career-high 16 points in his first NBA start against the Milwaukee Bucks and recorded his 10.4 points-per-game rookie average that ranked fourth among eligible rookies leaguewide.
Jaylen Wells Career Wins
Memphis Grizzlies Highlights
Wells has built his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies after being drafted 39th overall in 2024. He has been a regular starter for the franchise, beginning with his debut on October 23, 2024, and continuing through his selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2025. His role with the Grizzlies has been as a scoring wing who can start alongside the team’s other core players.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Wells earned CCAA Player of the Year and First-team All-CCAA recognition in 2023 while at Sonoma State. He was also named the area Player of the Year by The Sacramento Bee during his senior year at Folsom High School.
Jaylen Wells Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jaylen Wells was raised in Sacramento, California, and attended Folsom High School, where he developed his basketball foundation. Publicly available information about his parents and broader family background is limited.
Personal Life
In April 2025, it was reported that Wells had founded a venture called Sleep Nation with his high school friend, Ad Alsamariae. The project is focused on helping young athletes achieve success in their sports careers.
2025 Season Performance
Jaylen Wells’s 2024–25 rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies established him as a productive starter. He averaged 10.4 points per game, ranking fourth among eligible rookies, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He also earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for October and November after averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his first 20 games while shooting over 45 percent from the field.
His season was cut short on April 8, 2025, when he suffered a broken right wrist against the Charlotte Hornets, ending his rookie year just before the postseason. Despite the injury, his production and efficiency were strong enough to secure All-Rookie First Team recognition, signaling a bright future with the Grizzlies.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Wells is expected to continue as a key member of Memphis’s rotation as he recovers and builds on his rookie accomplishments. His combination of size, shooting, and scoring efficiency makes him a central part of the Grizzlies’ long-term plans on the wing.
