Taylor Hendricks refuses to be sidelined by season-ending injury
- Taylor Hendricks suffered a severe noncontact injury leading to extensive damage that required surgery.
- Despite his injury, he contributed by drawing plays for the team during games, showing his commitment.
- Hendricks is focused on rehabilitation and is determined to take his recovery at a steady pace.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks faced a severe setback when he suffered a noncontact injury that led to a season-ending situation. Initially, Hendricks was optimistic about his condition, thinking he might only need a short recovery after a doctor snapped the injury back into place. However, subsequent X-rays revealed extensive damage, leading to surgery a few days later. Currently, Hendricks is wearing a protective boot and maneuvering around on a scooter during practices and home games. Despite this difficult turn of events, Hendricks has shown remarkable determination to remain engaged with the Jazz from the sidelines. During a home game against the Phoenix Suns on November 12, he actively participated by drawing up an initial play for the game which resulted in a successful basket. Esteemed Jazz coach Will Hardy appreciated this effort, highlighting the fun in having Hendricks contribute even while not on the court. Hendricks's performance in the three games he played this season averaged 4.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game across 25 minutes. He was chosen as the ninth overall pick by Utah in the 2023 draft and had previously been noted for his growth as a player during his rookie season, where he averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 40 games, making 23 starts. His increased comfort on the court had made him excited about the prospects of his second year. As he embarks on his rehabilitation journey, Hendricks has focused on maintaining a positive outlook while managing his recovery. He expressed his intention to take the rehab process day by day without rushing through it, knowing he will not be able to return until next season. The Jazz are equally cautious, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Hendricks makes a full recovery before considering his return to play.