Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells endured a frightening moment during Tuesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, as he was stretchered off the court following a brutal fall while attempting a dunk. The 21-year-old suffered a broken wrist, but thankfully, the injury was not more severe.
The incident unfolded during the second quarter when Wells, who has been averaging 10.4 points per game this season, went up for a one-handed slam. As he was airborne, Hornets guard KJ Simpson made contact, causing Wells to fall hard onto the court. The impact appeared to result in Wells hitting his head, sending shockwaves through the crowd and Grizzlies bench.
Ja Morant and Grizzlies staff were quick to rush to Wells’ side as he lay on the floor, visibly in pain. He was eventually taken off the court on a stretcher, but his father, Fred, quickly reassured fans with an update, confirming that Jaylen was “awake and alert,” despite swelling in his wrist and pain in his face and back.
Wells’ agent, Aman Dhesi, later confirmed that the rookie had suffered a broken right wrist and would continue receiving medical care as he recovers. Wells himself shared an update on his Instagram Story, posting a photo from the hospital with his right arm in a cast.
Despite the scary moment, Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo expressed confidence in Wells’ recovery, acknowledging how difficult the situation was for the team. “He’s a tough kid and he’ll have a great recovery,” Iisalo said. “But it really puts things into perspective.”
The Grizzlies, however, managed to secure a 124-100 win over the Hornets, despite the unsettling scene.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Jaylen Wells!
