Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells Embraces Two-Way Player Mentality

Young wing focuses on impact over individual stats in pursuit of winning

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jaylen Wells, a young wing for the Memphis Grizzlies, has carved out a steady role on the team by focusing on versatility, effort, and doing the little things to help the team win. Wells models his game after two-way players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, who make an impact without dominating the ball. He admires the simplicity and winning mentality of players like Jimmy Butler, prioritizing efficiency, defense, and making the right plays over individual stats or highlights.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies are building their rotation around youth, depth, and defensive identity, making players like Wells who can guard multiple positions, shoot, and make quick decisions valuable. Wells' self-awareness and team-first mentality suggest he could develop into the kind of two-way glue guy that every contending team needs.

The details

Wells, a 6-foot-7 wing, has quietly become an important connective piece for the Grizzlies. He spaces the floor, defends multiple positions, and doesn't demand the ball to influence the game. His scoring has improved, but his value lies in his versatility and effort. Wells models his game after players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, two-way wings who make an impact through their off-ball scoring, transition play, and elite defense rather than individual dominance.

  • Wells has carved out a steady role on the Grizzlies this season.

The players

Jaylen Wells

A young wing player for the Memphis Grizzlies who has focused on becoming a two-way contributor through his versatility, effort, and team-first mentality.

Trey Murphy III

A rangy 6-8 wing for the New Orleans Pelicans who has developed into one of the league's most dangerous off-ball scorers.

Herb Jones

A former second-round pick for the New Orleans Pelicans who has quickly become one of the NBA's most disruptive perimeter defenders.

Jimmy Butler

A veteran wing player known for his efficiency, physicality, and competitive edge, serving as a role model for Wells' approach to the game.

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What they’re saying

“Going into the NBA it was guys like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, two-way players that I feel like made an impact on winning. That was my main goal.”

— Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies wing (SI.com)

“I'm a really big fan of Jimmy Butler. I like the simplicity to his game. He's a winner. He's going to do whatever it takes to win.”

— Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies wing (SI.com)

The takeaway

Jaylen Wells' focus on becoming a two-way contributor through his versatility, effort, and team-first mentality aligns with the Grizzlies' vision of building a rotation around youth, depth, and defensive identity. If he continues on this path, Wells could develop into the kind of reliable, impactful role player that every contending team needs.