Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells left the court during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on a stretcher on Tuesday, April 8^th, after falling when he suffered a foul as he attempted a fast-break dunk.

Jaylen Wells’ Fall

The fall happened during the second quarter of the game when Wells attempted a dunk and KJ Simpson, a rookie for the Hornets, made contact with his legs while he was in the air, causing Wells to aggressively land on his side and hitting his head on the floor.

As soon as Wells landed on the floor, he seemed to be instantly knocked out, not moving for around eight minutes as medical staff attempted to examine him. Wells had to then leave the court on a stretcher, rushed to a local hospital. 

Simpson seemed extremely distraught after his move and immediately stopped to check on Wells. He then received a flagrant two foul – defined as a foul that involves unnecessary and violent contact –, being ejected from the game. 

How is Jaylen Wells Now?

Jaylen Wells’ father later posted on X confirming that he was awake and going through exams: “Jaylen is awake and alert. Wanted 2 know the score! Swollen wrist. Face, jaw and back pain. About to get X-ray and CT.” ESPN then reported Wells’ has a broken wrist.

Wells has had an impressive story this season – after being a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the rookie guard has not missed a single game and had started in the majority of them (74 out of 79). 

His injury comes during a 124-100 over the Hornets and just three games away from the playoffs, with Memphis Grizzlies currently ranked seventh in the Western Conference, with a 47-32 game record and just below the Golden State Warriors.