Jaylen’s Journey

By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent Sacramento native Jaylen Wells, who was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies  in the second round of last month’s NBA draft, shoots a free throw during the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-8 forward graduated from Folsom High School and attended Sonoma State and Washington State. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER LAS VEGAS – Young basketball players in every corner of the globe imagine the thrilling experience of having their names called in the NBA draft. For many, this dream remains just that. But for Sacramento native Jaylen Wells, that dream became a reality. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Wells with the 39th pick in the second round last month. It was the first time the second round had been nationally televised, making it an unconventional experience, much like Wells’ journey to the league. The OBSERVER chatted with Wells at the NBA 2K25 Summer League to delve into his incredible journey to this point in his career. “I never really doubted that I’d get to this moment,” Wells said. “Obviously, going to a D-2 school out of high school and making it to the NBA didn’t seem as attainable then. But I just kept...