Memphis rookie Jaylen Wells was expected to miss the rest of the season after breaking his right wrist in a hard fall against Charlotte.
The Grizzlies said on 11 April 2025 that Wells also suffered a concussion and facial cut but was expected to make a full recovery.
Wells falls heavily after fast-break dunk
Ja Morant sent Wells clear during the second quarter of Memphis’s 124-100 win. Wells finished with a two-handed dunk before Charlotte guard KJ Simpson moved underneath him in the air.
Wells landed on his side and struck his head near the baseline. Medical staff treated him for eight minutes before taking him away on a stretcher.
The officials upgraded Simpson’s foul to a flagrant 2 after review. The crew chief described the play as reckless against a vulnerable airborne player.
Simpson apologises as Wells leaves hospital
Simpson said he would never intentionally hurt another player and apologised publicly.
Wells left hospital the next day and joined his teammates at shootaround with his right hand in a cast. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo called him an incredibly tough player.
Memphis loses a dependable rookie starter
Wells had played all 79 Grizzlies games and started 74 in a row. He averaged 10.4 points and regularly defended the opponent’s best perimeter scorer.
His injury removed a trusted starter as Memphis fought Minnesota and Golden State for position in the Western Conference standings.
