Jaylen Wells Says Grizzlies’ Zach Edey Would Dominate 1990s NBA Alongside LeBron James

When debates surface about whether today’s NBA stars could withstand the bruising physicality of the 1990s, Memphis Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells does not hesitate with his answer.

The conversation often centers on hand-checking, crowded paint touches, and rigid positional roles — elements that defined an era many consider more punishing than today’s pace-and-space game. For Wells, however, at least two modern players would not merely survive in that environment. They would excel: LeBron James and Zach Edey.

Even at 41 years old and in his 23rd season, James remains a singular physical presence. The four-time MVP may no longer possess the same end-to-end explosiveness that marked his early years in Cleveland and Miami, but his power and body control continue to define his game. When he attacks the rim, he still overwhelms defenders, absorbs contact and finishes through traffic.

In a decade that prioritized half-court execution and strength at the point of attack, James’ combination of size, force and playmaking vision likely would have translated seamlessly. His ability to carve out driving lanes, elevate in tight spaces and process defensive coverages in real time suggests that a paint-oriented era may have amplified his impact rather than diminished it.

Edey presents a different, but equally compelling case.

At 7-foot-4, the second-year center operates primarily on the block, leaning on positioning, touch and sheer size. During his sophomore NBA campaign, Edey converted 63.3% of his field-goal attempts, underscoring his efficiency around the rim. In an era that did not demand floor-spacing from centers, his interior scoring profile would have fit naturally.

Rather than being asked to extend his range or navigate perimeter switches, Edey could have anchored himself on the low block and punished defenders possession after possession — the very blueprint many teams employed throughout the 1990s.

When Wells was asked which current players could have been “elite” in that decade, his response was immediate.

“Obviously, LeBron,” Wells said.

He then added a second name without pause.

“And I’m going to go with Zach Edey,” Wells said. “I feel like he’s kind of unstoppable. He’d be down there battling with some of the greatest centers.”

The broader discussion is not limited to those two. Players such as Nikola Jokic, whose footwork and passing vision could dissect any defensive scheme, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose downhill force already embraces contact on nearly every drive, are frequently mentioned in similar debates.

Still, Wells’ selections are rooted in archetype. The 1990s rewarded interior dominance, physical endurance and half-court precision. James’ blend of strength and court awareness — even deep into his career — aligns with those principles. Edey’s interior efficiency and willingness to operate on the block mirror the structural demands of that era.

For Wells, the question is less about stylistic adjustment and more about translatability. Some skill sets are era-proof. In his view, James and Edey possess exactly that.