Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard Jaylen Wells left on a stretcher after he fell headfirst to the court when he was fouled going up for a fast-break dunk during the second quarter of Tuesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Wells was going up for a breakaway dunk with 1:10 left in the quarter when Hornets guard KJ Simpson ran into his legs while he was in the air, causing Wells to fall awkwardly. He lay motionless on the ground for several minutes, surrounded by medical staffers. The crowd in Charlotte went quiet and players from both teams looked on with concern.
He was placed on a stretcher, where his head was immobilized and his hands were folded across his midsection. The Hornets broadcast said he was transported to a local hospital.
Simpson was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected following a review by the officials. He walked to the locker room with a towel draped over his head.
Jaylen Wells appeared to move his hand as he’s stretchered out of the arena. Prayers up for him. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/K719w6cn0Y
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) April 9, 2025
Wells, the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been one of the biggest bright spots for the Grizzlies during his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old has started in 74 games this season and become a rugged on-ball defender in his first season. Wells came into Tuesday night’s game averaging 10.5 points and 3.4 rebounds this season.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: David Jensen / Getty Images)