Wells was selected as the 39th pick in the second round of this year’s NBA draft and has been getting regular minutes in an impressive Grizzlies side.
Currently on a run, which has seen them lose just one of their last 10 games, the Grizzlies sit second in the Western Conference only trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies’ form, which sees them with a 17-8 record, has come as somewhat of a surprise but Jeff Teague has urged them to make one key trade which could take them to the NBA Finals.
The side is well known for their tough style and Shaquille O’Neill recently praised Zack Edey for his approach to the game.
Wells, at 6ft 8 has fitted seamlessly into this Grizzlies’ side and he recently announced two NBA legends that he patterns his game on.
Wells styles his game on Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler
Wells has played in all 25 of the Grizzlies’ games this season and his ability to do the simple things well doesn’t go unnoticed.
At his towering height, it may be a surprise that his favorite player as a youngster was former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, who was recently given his own statue.
Speaking to journalist Michael Scotto for Hoops Hype, Wells said: “Growing up, Dwyane Wade was my favorite player. I used to be a smaller guard, so that’s where that came from. I liked his game on both sides of the floor as a smaller guard doing things that made him play like a bigger guard.”
Someone with a much similar height to Wells who he admires is the Heat’s current star, Jimmy Butler. The NBA veteran is in the middle of much trade speculation currently.
Speaking on Butler, Wells said: “I feel like his game is very simple, and that’s kind of the player I am. I do simple things and whatever it’s going to take to win. That’s the kind of player he is. He has that winning mentality, and he plays both sides of the floor.”
Whilst Wells aims to mould his game around the two NBA greats he will be looking to find his own style as his NBA career progresses.
- Read more: Ja Morant names the Chicago Bulls hero he’s inspired by, and it’s not Michael Jordan
Comparing Wells, Butler and Wade’s rookie season numbers
It’s always going to be hard to follow in the footsteps of two stars like Wade and Butler but there’s no reason why Wells can’t do this.
While he is only 25 games into his rookie season it felt fun to compare his current stats to the numbers of the two players he moulds his game on.
| Rookie Season | Jaylen Wells * | Dwyane Wade | Jimmy Butler |
| Points | 11.5 | 16.2 | 2.6 |
| Rebounds | 3.3 | 4.7 | 1.3 |
| Assists | 1.7 | 5.4 | 0.3 |
It’s obvious that these stats mean very little right now but it will certainly be interesting to see the progression of Wells. There’s every chance he could help the Grizzlies to a late run this year and instantly propel his name upwards.
