Jaylen Wells injury update: Grizzlies star receives final diagnosis after scary fall vs. Hornets

On Tuesday, Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells left Memphis’ game against the Charlotte Hornets after suffering a scary fall on a dunk. Wells had to be taken off the court on a stretcher and was immediately transported to a hospital. On Friday, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on Wells’ injuries.

“Final diagnosis for Jaylen Wells: broken right wrist, concussion and facial laceration. He is expected to miss the rest of the season,” Charania wrote on X.

Wells had played in all 79 of the Grizzlies’ games this season and was having a fantastic debut campaign. Wells will finish the season averaging 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 42.5% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.

Despite not finishing the regular season, Wells has an excellent chance of being an All-NBA Rookie Team selection. Wells’ injury occurred in the second quarter of the Grizzlies’ 124-100 win over the Hornets.

Wells leaked out on the fast break for a dunk but came down hard on his head and wrist after Hornets guard KJ Simpson inadvertently undercut him. After the game, Simpson apologized to Wells on social media for being partly responsible for the unfortunate injury.

“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,” Simpson wrote on X.” I would never purposely do that to anyone. I’m just extremely sorry.”

Wells responded on X, writing, ‘Much love brother.’ Simpson followed up Wells’ post by re-emphasizing how sorry he felt for the incident.

“Especially with the talent J is,” Simpson wrote. “I know he’s gonna be special and just from the many times our paths have crossed I’m blessed to know he’s an even better person with an amazing story. I just wanted to again say sorry to J and his family I can’t say it enough.”

The Memphis Grizzlies are 47-33 this season and have two games remaining in the regular season. They are currently the No. 7 team in the NBA Western Conference standings. If the NBA Playoffs started today, they’d be facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in a play-in game.

Wells isn’t the only rookie on the Grizzlies who’s had success this season. Zach Edey is averaging 9.3 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game this season. He also averages 1.3 blocks per game. Edey will need to step up his game in the postseason with Jaylen Wells sidelined.