Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is already calling second-year wing Jaylen Wells “the vet.”

GG Jackson, a 20-year-old who is in his third season, also looks up to the 22-year-old Wells. Part of that is because of the cool demeanor Wells displays in moments of adversity, but it also translates to the basketball court.

He isn’t truly an NBA veteran just yet, but in a way, the Grizzlies will need him to be.

They traded shooting guard Desmond Bane in part because of the confidence the organization has in Wells. His ability to play both ends gives Memphis two things it has coveted — a defensive-minded wing and a perimeter sharpshooter.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo is throwing more offensively at Wells, and whether he can exceed in the role will be a major factor in determining the team’s ceiling.

Iisalo has emphasized a need for secondary playmakers. With Ja Morant, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. sitting out the preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 8, Wells was thrust into a bigger role.

The Grizzlies didn’t look good in the 121-103 loss at FedExForum, but Wells showed signs of handling the secondary playmaking role.

“Overall, I think he’s on a very nice growth trajectory,” Iisalo said. “He’s being asked to be a secondary handler in our offense right now, and he’s doing a pretty god job with it — like today, when he’s more assertive and finds his spots. I’m very happy with his development.”

An expanded role for Jaylen Wells

The Grizzlies are using Wells as a “runner” more in their offense. This means not only will he get more chances on the ball in pick-and-roll situations, but he’ll also run off screens.

In addition to the usual spot-up 3-point shots Wells mostly took last season, he sprinkled in scoring opportunities in the midrange area and at the rim. His most impressive play came in the third quarter, when he looked like a polished offensive NBA veteran. He snaked a pick-and-roll as the ballhandler and kept the Celtics defender on his back. As the defender came around Wells’ body, the Grizzlies’ wing took a power dribble to his right, stepped back and sank a midrange shot just beyond the free-throw line.

That wasn’t an opportunity Wells would have gotten last season. The process started three months ago in summer league.

“I think there will be a lot of growing pains,” Wells said. “A lot of ups and downs. Some turnovers here and there. It’s just working out the kinks.”

Areas of growth for Jaylen Wells

Wells isn’t a finished product in the playmaking department. He has been as vocal as anyone about the mistakes he’ll make while adjusting to the larger role.

Turnovers have been a problem through two preseason games. He finished each with three turnovers, and totaled just six assists.

Santi Aldama was once a Grizzlies player who had a more simplified offensive role when he first broke into the league. But he also was a player who got a bigger opportunity in part because of his playmaking, so he understands the importance for Wells to grow in that area.

“You have more responsibility in your hands, which I think is great for him,” Aldama said. “He’s been super aggressive, which we really need him to be, and he has to deliver the right pass. I think he’s capable of it.”

What about defense?

Defense is the money-maker for Wells. It’s the reason the Grizzlies put him in the starting lineup as a rookie second-round pick in 2024.

Many players in the NBA have talked about how when their offensive load increases, the defense becomes tougher to maintain. Simply put, it’s a lot of mileage in the course of a game.

This is now the challenge for Wells, who has guarded All-Stars Cade Cunningham (Pistons) and Jaylen Brown (Celtics). He wants to pass the test.

“That’s definitely something I was thinking about going into this season,” Wells said. “Just how much my conditioning is going to have to be top-notch. I expect to be the best defender and guarding the best player, and I don’t want that to let down at all.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.