Getty Image / David Jensen
The Memphis Grizzlies have experienced serious turmoil recently with the surprise firing of their coach, Taylor Jenkins. On Tuesday, they found themselves dealing with even more adversity.
Young wing Jaylen Wells was heading to the basket when he was undercut by KJ Simpson Jr. It went down as a Flagrant 2 foul, and landed Wells in the hospital.
Wells, the 39th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, has been a pleasant surprise for the Grizzlies. He’s been a starter for pretty much the entire year, and has averaged just over 10 points a game while adding nearly 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game. But, he could be out for a while after this incident. Take a look.
Sacramento native Jaylen Wells takes a nasty fall and is stretchered off the floor. Really hope this is all out of an abundance of caution, but this was quite scary. pic.twitter.com/yml7ib1F6i
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) April 9, 2025
I don’t think that KJ Simpson Jr. was trying to make a dirty play here. But, you just cannot in any circumstances undercut a player like that. There’s a reason the league has cut down on fouls like that, and the call of a Flagrant 2 foul was the right call. As with any Flagrant 2, Simpson Jr. was ejected. Meanwhile, Wells was stretchered off and taken to a local hospital.
Thankfully, according to a tweet by Wells’ father, he’s awake and alert at the hospital.
Jaylen is awake and alert. Wanted 2 know the score! Swollen wrist. Face, jaw and back pain. About to get X-ray and CT.
— Fred wells (@freddyjrrn) April 9, 2025
Let’s all hope that Wells makes a full recovery. The Grizzlies beat the Hornets, 124-100, as they jockey for playoff position in the ultra-competitive Western Conference with just a few games remaining.