Memphis Grizzlies rookie was stretchered off the court on Tuesday after suffering a hard fall on his back following a flagrant foul during a dunk attempt.
The incident took place in the second quarter of an away game against the Charlotte Hornets. Wells had broken away from the defense and was clear for a dunk, but fellow rookie KJ Simpson collided with his legs, causing Wells to fall awkwardly and land flat on his back.
Simpson immediately went to check on Wells, who remained motionless on the court. The arena at Spectrum Center fell silent as medical personnel quickly surrounded the injured rookie. After an official review, Simpson’s foul was elevated to a Flagrant 2 — indicating “unnecessary and excessive contact” — which led to his automatic ejection.
Wells appeared to hit the front of his head during the fall. Medical staff stabilized his head and neck before wheeling him off the court, drawing supportive applause from the crowd. As he was taken off, Wells raised his hand slightly, a hopeful sign of responsiveness.
During the second half, Wells’ father, Fred, shared that his son was “awake and alert,” but dealing with swelling in his wrist and face, along with jaw and back pain. He was set to undergo X-rays and a CT scan. Later, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Wells had suffered a broken wrist.
Wells, drafted 39th overall in 2024 after stints at Sonoma State and Washington State, had emerged as one of the most compelling rookies of the 2024–25 season and had secured a rotation role for the playoff-bound Grizzlies.