Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells suffered a frightening injury during Tuesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. The incident occurred during a fast break when Wells went up for a dunk and collided midair with Hornets player K.J. Simpson. Simpson inadvertently undercut Wells, causing him to lose his balance and land awkwardly on his head and side near the baseline. The impact left Wells motionless on the court for a significant amount of time.
The game was halted for approximately 23 minutes as medical personnel attended to Wells. He was eventually stretchered off the court with his head immobilized. The severity of the injury was immediately concerning to fans and players alike. Simpson, visibly distraught, immediately checked on Wells after the collision.
Following a replay review, officials assessed Simpson with a flagrant 2 foul, resulting in his ejection from the game. This underscores the severity of the contact and the concern surrounding Wells’ well-being.
Wells, a 2024 second-round draft pick from Washington State, had been a consistent starter for the Grizzlies, playing in 74 of 79 games this season. He averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game before the injury. The Grizzlies, at the time of the incident, were in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical nature of professional basketball and the risks involved. The entire basketball community anxiously awaits updates on Wells’ condition and recovery.
