Even in a season where the Memphis Grizzlies have taken more lumps than wins, there’s a silver lining that’s tough to ignore - their 2024 NBA Draft class is quietly turning into one of the league’s biggest surprises. And that’s saying something, considering the class was widely viewed as underwhelming heading into draft night.
The Grizzlies didn’t just find one gem - they may have uncovered three.
Let’s start with the headlines: Memphis had two second-round rookies, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells, selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge - an event typically dominated by first-round picks and high-profile names. That alone is noteworthy. But when you consider that Zach Edey, their first selection from that class, was also playing strong basketball before being sidelined in December, the picture becomes even clearer: the Grizzlies may have nailed this draft from top to bottom.
Second-Round Steals Shine on the Rising Stars Stage
Spencer and Wells weren’t just invited to the Rising Stars Challenge - they earned their place. Most of the rosters were filled with lottery picks and top-tier prospects from the last two drafts.
G League standouts got some love too. But second-rounders?
They were few and far between, especially from the 2024 class.
After Ajay Mitchell of the Thunder was replaced by No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, Spencer stood alone as the only second-round pick on Team T-Mac. That team featured flashy rookies like Kon Knueppel, but Spencer held his own.
On the other side, Wells suited up for Team Vince, which included multiple lottery selections like VJ Edgecombe and Derik Queen. Again, Wells was the lone second-rounder in that lineup.
That context matters. It highlights just how rare it is for second-round picks - especially from a draft class that was widely panned - to break through early. Yet here were Spencer and Wells, not just participating, but contributing.
Spencer vs. Wells: Teammates Turned Competitors
In a fun twist, the two Grizzlies rookies actually faced off when Team Vince took on Team T-Mac in the opening round. Team Vince came out on top, 41-36, but both players left their mark.
Jaylen Wells posted 6 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist, and he led all players with a +13 plus-minus - a subtle but telling stat that shows he was making winning plays. Spencer countered with 5 points, 3 boards, and 2 assists of his own. Both looked comfortable on the floor, showing the kind of poise and versatility that translates beyond All-Star Weekend exhibitions.
Wells cooled off a bit in the championship game, adding 4 points as Team Vince edged out Team Melo 25-24. But again, the performance isn’t the headline - the presence is.
Two second-rounders, both drafted by the same team, both showing they belong. That’s rare.
And Don’t Forget Zach Edey
What makes this draft haul even more impressive is that it doesn’t fully include Zach Edey, who was playing some of his best basketball before being shut down in December. Edey’s size and touch around the rim were starting to translate at the NBA level, and had he stayed healthy, there’s a good chance all three of Memphis’ rookies would’ve been in the Rising Stars Challenge.
In a draft class that was widely criticized for lacking star power, the Grizzlies walked away with three players who’ve already shown real NBA upside. That’s not just good scouting - that’s franchise-altering potential.
A Silver Lining in a Tough Season
Let’s be clear: the Grizzlies are still in the middle of a rough season. Injuries, inconsistency, and growing pains have all taken their toll. But if you’re looking for signs of life and reasons for optimism, the 2024 draft class is a great place to start.
Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells have already proven they can hang with the league’s best young talent. Zach Edey showed flashes before his injury. That’s a trio of rookies who could be part of the solution going forward - not just filler, but real contributors.
In a league where second-round picks often struggle to even make the roster, the Grizzlies found two who are already making noise on the national stage. And if Edey picks up where he left off, Memphis might have pulled off one of the most quietly successful drafts in recent memory.
No, it hasn’t been a dream season. But thanks to this rookie class, the future in Memphis is starting to look a whole lot brighter.