Hornets guard KJ Simpson took to social media (Twitter links) to profusely apologize to Jaylen Wells, who was taken off the court on a stretcher and sustained a broken right wrist after being fouled by Simpson while he was in the air going up for a dunk (YouTube link). Simpson was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul upon review.
“My prayers are with @jaylen_wells, 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. “I would never purposely do that to anyone. I’m just extremely sorry.
“Especially with the talent J is. 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 Grizzlies wing accepted Simpson’s apologies, replying (via Twitter), “Much love brother. Thank you.”
Here’s more on the Hornets:
- No. 6 overall pick Tidjane Salaün is wrapping up his first season with Charlotte. While the 19-year-old has struggled with efficiency during his rookie campaign, he has looked much more comfortable — and been more productive — since the start of March, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. The French forward says he wants to improve in multiple areas in the offseason. “I would like to continue to develop some winning habits,” Salaün said. “Get faster on defense, keep blocking out the player and on offense, play my game, try to develop my ball-handling, some good passes and keep the game simple. And be the most efficient. That’s it.”
- Winning the draft lottery would give the Hornets the opportunity to select consensus top prospect Cooper Flagg, who just finished his freshman season at Duke. In a column for The Charlotte Observer, Scott Fowler explains why he thinks landing with the Hornets could be a good thing for Flagg, whose family lived in North Carolina while he was attending college. Instead of going to a team with a track record of success, Flagg could become an icon in the area if he’s able to help turn the Hornets into a winner, Fowler notes. Charlotte has the NBA’s longest postseason drought, last making the playoffs in 2016.
- 2024/25 has been a disappointing season for the Hornets, with injuries once again being a major issue. Forward Grant Williams, who tore the ACL in his right knee in November, says he’s making good progress in his recovery, according to Boone. “I’m feeling great, positive,” Williams told Boone. “That’s really the one word that I’ve tried to stay consistent with throughout this whole process. … The team, they are not rushing me. They are just focused on making sure I get better every single day and taking it one day at a time. I’m trying my best just to stay focused on the moment, and attacking every single little thing with the right mentality and come back stronger than I was before.”
Kind of crazy how we get visibility into this apology back and forth. Very personal. On one hand it’s a big bowl of who cares, on the other it feels kind of icky. Let it stay between the two people clearly impacted emotionally…
I agree with that take, the only issue I see is that people would be up-in-arms if tbeybfelt like he didn’t apologize publicly, for everyone to see. Everyone is gonna complain about something I guess, so it was probably handled well in this situation
No. I disagree.
People are too judgmental. By people I mean the public. I can hear it now, “he never apologized. He’s a cheap shot artist,” etc.
This way, we know of his heartfelt regret and deepest apologies to the player and his family. It’s a good thing to publicize that for a public figure such as an NBA player. These guys are in the spotlight and bad optics on this situation can possibly haunt him the rest of his career.
Didn’t he address it during the game though?
I didn’t watch the game, but if you say he did then that’s good, but I guess he just wanted to make sure his remorse was understood by all.
I’m good with it. I understand what you’re saying. I guess he’s just trying to save face, but I think his heart is genuine in concern for the other player.
I’m not positive…in any case I see your point too and agree…if he didn’t address it he’d catch heck. Which i guess is also stupid but not something any of us has control of. Anyway glad they’ll both be alright
Yes !! Great points.
It would be great for Charlotte to win the lottery & take Flagg. But if they get the #2 pick I’d definitely draft Dylan & start taking offers for Melo tho.
If Utah misses on Dylan (either by winning the lottery themselves & picking Coop, or by dropping below the 2nd pick) they should be very eager to acquire a guy like Melo. Both Charlotte & Utah should be fairly happy with a deal swapping John Collins, Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams & a future 1st for LaMelo Ball & Josh Okogie.
If Cha can get Ja & GG from Memphis for Melo I might consider that too… link to m.youtube.com
I agree with the first, if they can find someone to take Melo’s contract off their books they should jump at any offer.
Your comment doesn’t make any sense
Honestly they don’t need real young youth and I don’t think they will get the top pick.
Cam Thomas would be great on this team.
Then trade Miles Bridges, Josh Green and Salaun for a young (23) defensive PF with whatever attached
No, it would be horrible for Flagg to go to one of the worst franchises, with a wife beater Bridges and a guy more concerned with looking like a idiot and flashy passes than working on his shot mechanics.