Jaylen Wells Q&A: I don't care about hate comments, it's more of a sign that I made it
For Jaylen Wells, the path to the NBA was anything but traditional. From Division II Sonoma State to Washington State, and finally to the Memphis Grizzlies as a second-round pick, Wells has spent his career defying the odds. Now firmly established in his sophomore season, the 6-foot-8 wing is embracing a new reality: the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being a rotation staple in the Association.
In a candid Q&A released this week by HoopsHype, Wells addressed the toxicity often found in NBA social media circles. Rather than letting the negativity affect his psyche, Wells revealed a surprisingly mature perspective for a second-year player. He noted that he reads the "hate comments," but instead of taking offense, he views them as a badge of honor—a tangible metric that he has graduated from an overlooked prospect to a player who matters on the scouting report.
"I really don't care," Wells told HoopsHype regarding online criticism. "It's more of a sign that you made it."
This thick skin is essential for Wells, whose role has expanded significantly in the 2025-26 campaign. Tasked often with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter threat, Wells naturally draws the ire of rival fanbases. Whether he is navigating screens to chase elite scorers or knocking down corner threes, his increased visibility makes him a target. For a player who was fighting for D-II minutes just a few years ago, having thousands of strangers invested enough to criticize him is, paradoxically, a validation of his success.
The Grizzlies have a history of developing gritty, defensive-minded wings, and Wells fits the mold perfectly. His ability to compartmentalize the noise—viewing "hate" as a byproduct of relevance rather than a critique of his character—suggests he has the mental makeup to survive the long haul. As Memphis continues its push in the Western Conference, Wells’ refusal to be rattled by the outside world remains one of his most underrated assets. In a league where confidence can waver with a single tweet, Jaylen Wells is proving that his self-belief is offline and unshakeable.
In a candid Q&A released this week by HoopsHype, Wells addressed the toxicity often found in NBA social media circles. Rather than letting the negativity affect his psyche, Wells revealed a surprisingly mature perspective for a second-year player. He noted that he reads the "hate comments," but instead of taking offense, he views them as a badge of honor—a tangible metric that he has graduated from an overlooked prospect to a player who matters on the scouting report.
"I really don't care," Wells told HoopsHype regarding online criticism. "It's more of a sign that you made it."
This thick skin is essential for Wells, whose role has expanded significantly in the 2025-26 campaign. Tasked often with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter threat, Wells naturally draws the ire of rival fanbases. Whether he is navigating screens to chase elite scorers or knocking down corner threes, his increased visibility makes him a target. For a player who was fighting for D-II minutes just a few years ago, having thousands of strangers invested enough to criticize him is, paradoxically, a validation of his success.
The Grizzlies have a history of developing gritty, defensive-minded wings, and Wells fits the mold perfectly. His ability to compartmentalize the noise—viewing "hate" as a byproduct of relevance rather than a critique of his character—suggests he has the mental makeup to survive the long haul. As Memphis continues its push in the Western Conference, Wells’ refusal to be rattled by the outside world remains one of his most underrated assets. In a league where confidence can waver with a single tweet, Jaylen Wells is proving that his self-belief is offline and unshakeable.
