In the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Challenge on 92.9 FM ESPN Friday night (2/14), Team Chris, featuring Memphis Grizzlies rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells, emerged victorious. Edey, a formidable center, and Wells, a dynamic guard, both contributed to the team's success. Listen for all the All-Star Weekend festivities including All-Star Saturday night & the 2025 All-Star Game on Sunday night live on 92.9 FM ESPN (680AM/no stream)
Edey has been averaging 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game this season, while Wells, a second-round pick, has impressed with 11.4 points per game, earning a starting role. Their performances in the tournament helped secure Team Chris's advancement to the All-Star Game mini-tournament, where they will compete against NBA All-Stars.
Edey has been averaging 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game this season, while Wells, a second-round pick, has impressed with 11.4 points per game, earning a starting role. Their performances in the tournament helped secure Team Chris's advancement to the All-Star Game mini-tournament, where they will compete against NBA All-Stars.
Here's what ESPN's Kevin Pelton grade and report about Zach Edey's performance Friday night:
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Final: 2 points | 2 rebounds
Semifinal: 4 points | 2 rebounds
Grade: B
What stood out: At 7-foot-4, Edey's size made him difficult to stop in this setting. He made three of his four shot attempts, including a hook in the post and a putback dunk to open the scoring in the final.
For Jaylen Wells, ESPN's Kevin Pelton gave the following report:
Jaylen Wells, F, Memphis Grizzlies
Final: 5 points | 2-5 FG
Semifinal: 5 points | 2 rebounds
Grade: B-
What stood out: The lone Team C starter to go scoreless in the final, Wells had a more memorable semifinal. He leaked out for a dunk set up by Castle and also made a deep 3-pointer, his only one of the night.
