It’s a tough break for promising Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells. Just when the 21-year-old was carving out a solid role in the rotation, a scary fall during Monday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets has officially ended his season. With his development on the rise and playoff hopes still alive, the timing couldn’t have been worse for both Wells and the Grizzlies.
Jaylen Wells Out for the Season After Brutal Fall
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news about Well’s season ending final diagnosis. In a post on X he wrote:
“Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells has suffered a broken right wrist, concussion and facial laceration and is expected to miss the rest of the season.”
Final diagnosis for Jaylen Wells: broken right wrist, concussion and facial laceration. He is expected to miss the rest of the season. https://t.co/CbczCOiKi8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 11, 2025
The injuries occurred during the second quarter of the April 8 game against Hornets. Wells was going up for a fast-break dunk when he was undercut mid-air by Hornets guard KJ Simpson. The impact sent him crashing hard onto the court — head and wrist first. He remained down for several minutes, surrounded by trainers and medical staff, before being stretchered off.
Shortly after, the Grizzlies confirmed the news with their own statement:
“On Tuesday in Charlotte, Wells fractured his right wrist and sustained a concussion and facial laceration in a hard fall following a fast-break dunk… Wells is expected to make a full recovery but likely will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.”
Wells had been a steady presence in his rookie year, averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 79 games. He drew tough defensive assignments and stood out for his gritty, on-ball defense — often doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score. His absence will be felt as Memphis continues to navigate a season already marred by injuries.
KJ Simpson Issues Public Apology After Wells’ Injury
Following the play, Simpson was given a flagrant-2 foul and immediately ejected. The two players are known to be friends, which made the incident even more emotional. Simpson later posted on X to apologize:
“My prayers are with @jaylen_wells. I know we already spoke and are good friends bro, but again I just wanted to express not only to J but to his family as well how deeply sorry I am. I would never purposely do that to anyone. I’m just extremely sorry.”
Wells was taken to a local Charlotte hospital after the fall and was discharged the following day. In a positive sign, he rejoined the Grizzlies at their shootaround on April 10, wearing a cast on his right hand.
The Grizzlies are still fighting for playoff positioning, and will now have to move forward without both Wells and Brandon Clarke, who was ruled out weeks ago. They were up against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, April 11 which they lost 117-109, before wrapping up the regular season at home Sunday.
Whether they enter the playoffs directly or through the play-in, it’s clear this team will need to dig even deeper without one of their most reliable young contributors.