With the NBA Draft Combine rapidly approaching, one basketball analyst took to social media to show that pre-draft evaluations might not be indicative of NBA success.
He revealed on X that Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells, who finished as a Rookie of the Year finalist and was drafted 39th overall in last year’s draft, wasn’t even invited to the Draft Combine. How does this translate into a lesson for the NBA’s incoming rookies?
Jaylen Wells’ Inspiring Journey: From No NBA Draft Combine Invite to Rookie of the Year Finalist
ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony took to his X account to explain that the NBA Combine is not the definitive measure of a player’s potential. He used the example of Jaylen Wells, who wasn’t initially invited to the pre-draft event activity among the 75 players and is now a finalist for the Rookie of the Year honor.
As fun as the NBA Combine is, it’s not the end-all in the evaluation process.
Take Jaylen Wells, who wasn’t one of 75 players initially invited to the Combine last year, but ended up finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting.
ESPN Combine Preview: https://t.co/L5l5UaAjr7 pic.twitter.com/bhsdxg8rYM
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 10, 2025
The Draft Express co-owner wrote, “The NBA Combine isn’t the end-all be-all for evaluations.” He continued, “Jaylen Wells wasn’t even invited to the Combine initially, and only shot 5/18 from the field over two days once there. He ended up finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting this season.”
Wells has been in the spotlight ever since joining the Grizzlies. The 21-year-old started in 74 games as a rookie, recording 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. According to ESPN, he shot 42.5% from the field.
In addition to him, San Antonio Spurs point guard Stephon Castle and Atlanta Hawks center Zaccharie Risacher were named finalists.
RELATED: NBA Draft Lottery To Determine The Future Of Former Two Time NBA MVP After Brutal First Round Exit
The NBA Draft pre-activities are in full swing, where several basketball hopefuls will be eager to finalise their spot to compete and showcase their skills to the NBA teams.
The multi-day event puts the players through several tests, such as drills, measurements, athletic testing, medical examinations, team interviews, and 5-on-5 scrimmaging.
The Draft Combine, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois, began Sunday and will continue through next Sunday, May 18. Meanwhile, the NBA will find out the draft order Monday night through the NBA Draft Lottery.
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