Sixers guard Jared McCain And Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells have been named the NBA’s Rookies of the Month for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, respectively, the league announced today (via Twitter). The honor technically spans more than a month, as it applies to games played in both October and November.

As the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft, McCain initially did not expect to be part of Philadelphia’s regular rotation and played less than four minutes in each of his first two games of the season.

However, injuries cleared the way for him to get minutes and he took advantage of the opportunity, averaging 16.0 points, 2.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game in 18 appearances to start his NBA career (seven starts). McCain also posted a solid .448/.364/.906 shooting line.

Wells, drafted No. 39 in June, is an even less likely standout than McCain early in the season, but also took advantage of the team’s injury scare and took advantage of the opportunity to play rotation minutes right after the goal .

In 20 games (15 starts) in October and November, Wells averaged 12.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 1.9 APG with 25.3 MPG. He provided the Grizzlies’ much-needed outside shooting, hitting 39.4% on 5.0 attempts per night from beyond the arc.

According to the NBA (Twitter link), McCain prevailed over other nominees Zacharie Risacher, Alex SarrAnd Carlton Carrington for the East’s Rookie of the Month award. The other nominees were in the West Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Ryan Dunnand Wells’ teammate Zach Edey.