JAYLEN WELLS IS not just another guy on the floor for Memphis in the NBA Summer League, he is THE guy on the floor. A one-time unproven second-round draft pick who seriously turned heads last year, Wells, now an established starter and member of the All-Rookie team, has been the focal point of the Grizzlies' offense so far in the NBA summer season.
The Washington State star guided Memphis to a 96-86 comeback win over Portland on Saturday in Las Vegas. Wells scored 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting, adding seven rebounds and dishing three assists. He struggled in Friday's 92-78 loss to Boston, shooting just 3-of-10 from the field, but still had 13 points, three assists and three rebounds.
The Grizzlies were off Sunday and Monday before returning to action Tuesday vs. Golden State.
Through four games this summer in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas leagues, Wells is averaging 19 points per game and has taken 58 shots. He is getting his looks, and as the Grizzlies continue to mold him into one of their cornerstones, he is responding smartly to the challenge.
But while Wells is continuing his ascension, the debut for Cedric Coward in a Memphis jersey will have to wait.
Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters in Las Vegas he isn't expecting the No. 11 overall pick to participate in the NBA Summer League this year as he recovers from shoulder surgery that kept him out almost all of last season at Wazzu.
MEANWHILE, ISAAC JONES IS rolling along in his second NBA Summer League, starting both games for the Kings thus far. He had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in an 84-81 win over Orlando last Thursday. He followed that with another 11 points and six boards in a 109-92 win over Chicago on Saturday.
The Kings were off on Sunday but return to action tonight vs. the Suns in Las Vegas at 7 p.m.
Jones' $1.9 million option was picked up for 2025-26 by Sacramento, offering a major vote of confidence from the organization to the Coug standout who went undrafted. He subsequently made the jump from G League to NBA roster his rookie campaign and appears poised to reach new heights in Year Two.
Related: WSU's Isaac Jones earns payday and vote of confidence; Sacramento picks up $1.9 million team option
THE MLB ALL-STAR BREAK has arrived and while none of the three Cougs in the bigs made the All-Star teams, they closed the first half on high notes.
Kyle Manzardo homered in consecutive games over the weekend for Cleveland, finishing the first half with 15 homers and on pace for a sterling 30 dingers in his first full season. Manzardo's average is only .217, but his power arguably makes up for the weaker contact tool.
It was a tumultuous first half for Ryan Walker with the Giants, but he finished strong with five-straight perfect appearances, recording 13 outs in July and striking out five without allowing a hit or a walk.
Ian Hamilton did give up a run for the Yankees in Sunday's game, but he is sporting an impressive 1.96 ERA in his last 15 games.
Jaylen Wells (Photo: Twitter/Grizzlies)