On April 8, 2025, during a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, a serious incident occurred involving Hornets rookie guard KJ Simpson and Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells. In the second quarter, Wells attempted a fast-break dunk when Simpson collided with him mid-air, causing Wells to fall hard onto his back and head. Medical personnel responded immediately, and Wells was taken off the court on a stretcher. He was later reported to be awake and alert, having suffered a broken right wrist and a facial cut.
The NBA reviewed the play and upgraded Simpson’s foul to a flagrant 2, resulting in his ejection from the game. Officiating crew chief Karl Lane stated that the contact was deemed “unnecessary and extensive,” posing a high potential for injury to a vulnerable player.
Hornets head coach Charles Lee and player Miles Bridges expressed concern for Wells, emphasizing that Simpson is not a dirty player and that the incident was unfortunate.
This incident adds to the challenges faced by the Hornets, who have dealt with injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges throughout the season.
The Hornets’ next game is scheduled against the Toronto Raptors, and the team will look to regroup following this even
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