Get to know the ‘laid back’ and ‘low key’ Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells
2024 second-round draft pick Jaylen Wells talks to the media during the Grizzlies press conference introducing their 2024 NBA Draft picks on June 28, 2024.(Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian)
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells’ floater fell through the net as the buzzer sounded in Salt Lake City.
His teammates mobbed him in celebration near half court. The Grizzlies coaching staff and front office seated on the baseline threw their hands in the air. In just his second game ever in a Memphis uniform, Wells had nailed the winning shot.
And that’s exactly when his mother, Lakeitha Wells, looked up.
“You know what? I missed it,” she admitted. “Yeah, I missed it. I have this 4-year-old that’s always distracted.”
That 4-year-old is Wells’ cousin, Leanna, who is Wells’ biggest fan even though she has a shortened attention span. When the review of the play was finished, the Grizzlies rookie ran over to his family seated courtside and scooped up Leanna, holding her on his hip as he signed autographs with his other hand.
“They have this bond even though she kind of came as he left (for college),” Lakeitha said. “Whenever he came home to visit, she just was always attached to him. To see their interaction is great. They love each other.”
Leanna couldn’t yet understand the significance of the moment. One day, those photos and videos will be cherished. Perhaps even as brother and sister.
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Drew Hill
Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.
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