A scary moment occurred in Tuesday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets as rookie Jaylen Wells was stretched off the court after a nasty fall.
Wells was about to cash in on a breakaway dunk with just over a minute left in the second quarter at the Spectrum Center when Hornets guard KJ Simpson undercut him as he was in the air. Wells hit the floor hard and didn’t immediately get up. His Memphis teammates rushed to check on him.
It quickly got silent in the arena as a stretcher made its way onto the court and the Grizzlies’ medical team and emergency service members attended to Wells.
Some Hornets players could be seen praying as Wells was attended to. Memphis players and coaches huddled in a circle and prayed, as well.
Wells was taken out of the arena on the stretcher and transported to a hospital. The play was reviewed and a flagrant two foul was called on Simpson, resulting in him being ejected from the game.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft out of Washington State, Wells has been one of the most productive first-year players in the league. He had played in every game this season, including Tuesday’s contest. He averages 10.5 points per game, fifth-best among rookies, along with 3.4 rebounds.
Jaylen Wells injury update
Wells’ father, Fred, told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Wells was alert and talking and even wanted to know the score of the game.
‘He has a swollen wrist,’ Fred Wells told The Commercial Appeal via text. ‘Face, jaw and back pain. Prob concussion. We are waiting for X-rays to get done!!’
Jaylen Wells’ agent, Aman Dhesi, told ESPN’s Shams Charania that Wells has a broken right wrist.
Wells posted a photo to his Instagram story with the caption ‘Go Grizz.’ His arm and hand were wrapped up and there appeared to be a cut on the side of his head near his eye.
This story has been updated with new information.
