Washington State's Jaylen Wells receives late invite to NBA Draft Combine
Photo Courtesy Dean Hare, WSU Photo Services

PULLMAN, Wash. - After initially receiving an invite to the NBA G League Elite Camp, Washington State's Jaylen Wells has received an invite to the NBA Draft Combine, according to ESPN's NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony.

Last Friday, the NBA announced the 78 players that were invited to the NBA Draft Combine, and Wells wasn't on that list. But three days later, Wells is now invited to attend the NBA Draft Combine. Givony reports that Wells receiving the late invite could mean that the NBA doesn't have enough players for the combine scrimmages—about 40–44 players. Givony backs his claim, saying, "Makes sense since at least 8 of the 78 Combine invites are still playing, another two are going through Fitness-to-Play panel, and 37 players declined to play 5x5 last year."

Wells is ranked No. 54 on ESPN's list of the top 100 best available players in the 2024 NBA draft as a shooting guard.

Despite the high ranking, Wells isn't in ESPN's two-round mock draft, but with him getting a shot to show what he can do at the NBA Draft Combine, those projections may change.

NBADraft.net's latest mock draft has Wells being selected No. 33 overall to Milwaukee. 

This past season, Wells had a standout year for the Cougars, coming in clutch when it mattered most and staying consistent on both sides of the ball. He was WSU's third-highest scorer, as he averaged 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He ended the year shooting 43.6% from the field, 41.7% from three, and 81.4% from the free throw line. Wells hit his season-high of 27 points this season and collected two double-doubles on the year.

This offseason, Wells announced he would be entering the transfer portal and declaring for the NBA Draft.

The combine will take place from May 12–19 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

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