Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells suffered a serious injury on Tuesday night during a 124-100 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The 21-year-old forward, who has been a steady contributor this season, broke his right wrist after a hard fall mid-air during a fast-break dunk.
Wells, who had just completed the dunk, was undercut by Charlotte’s KJ Simpson. The collision sent Wells crashing to the court, and he remained down for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and taken off the court. Simpson, who committed the foul, was ejected after being called for a Flagrant 2.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Wells is awake and alert. His agent, Aman Dhesi, confirmed that Wells will continue receiving medical care after sustaining the broken wrist.
Charania tweeted, “Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells is awake, alert, and moving his extremities after being taken off court in a stretcher tonight in Charlotte, his agent Aman Dhesi tells ESPN. Wells has sustained a broken right wrist, Dhesi said, and will continue receiving medical care.”
Wells’ injury occurred early in the game, and he was able to contribute three points, five rebounds, and two assists in just over 11 minutes before the injury. Known for his energy and hustle, Wells had averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 26.1 minutes per game this season.
Wells’ injury has left many wondering how long it will take the young forward to recover. Broken wrists in basketball typically require anywhere from six weeks to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the break. Recovery time can vary, but wrist injuries often involve physical therapy to ensure full range of motion and strength once the bone heals.
The loss of Wells is a tough blow to the Grizzlies as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. The rookie had been playing a key role in Memphis’ rotation this season, bringing a spark off the bench and offering valuable minutes. His injury could leave a gap in their depth, especially with the playoffs just around the corner.
Despite the injury, the Grizzlies managed to secure the win in Charlotte, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Ja Morant, who scored 28 points and added five rebounds and eight assists in his return from food poisoning. He was a key factor in Memphis maintaining its spot in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. Desmond Bane also chipped in with 19 points, while rookie center Zach Edey impressed with 17 points and 19 rebounds.
The Grizzlies’ win pushed them to 47-32 on the season, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt. Memphis is currently tied with several teams for the eighth spot in the West, where just two games separate five teams fighting for position.
