Taylor Hendricks, a forward with the Utah Jazz, is looking for ways to remain active off the court after sustaining an injury that ended his season. Creating plays for his teammates is one way he continues to be involved.
On November 12, Hendricks created a play for the club in a home game against the Phoenix Suns. His play assisted in setting up Utah’s first basket of the game, a stepback midrange jumper by John Collins.
“I sent the first group over, gave him the board, and said, ‘Taylor’s going to draw up the first play for you,'” Jazz coach Will Hardy remarked. “He was sitting over there, and the board was by him.” “It was enjoyable. Seeing him sketch was entertaining. Watching him explain it was much more entertaining.
The last thing Hendricks or the Jazz anticipated for his second NBA season was him sitting on the sidelines, drafting plays for his teammates.
In his second season, Hendricks had intended to advance significantly as a defensive specialist. But in his third game, a 110-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on October 28, he dislocated his ankle and fractured his right fibula. The injury resulted from an uncomfortable landing after he lost his footing while racing down the court. Hendricks needed to be carried on a stretcher after being wheeled off the floor.
He initially believed that the non-contact injury was not as severe as it appeared.
“The doctor who came over snapped it back into place, and I thought I was good because I’m probably straight,” he said. Hendricks declared, “I’ll be gone for a week or two and then I’m back.”
Hendricks underwent surgery a few days later when X-rays showed the extent of the damage. He now uses a scooter to go around during workouts and home games and wears a protective boot.
Hendricks has not been cleared to travel with the Jazz and won’t be until he is able to stop using crutches and a scooter, which should happen as soon as January.
After working hard to enhance his skills during the winter, Hendricks’ inability to participate for the remainder of the season was devastating. He averaged 4.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25.0 minutes over his three games.
Hendricks started 23 of his 40 games as a rookie after being selected ninth overall by Utah in the 2023 draft. His average was 4.6 rebounds and 7.3 points.
Hendricks remarked, “I was definitely a lot more comfortable on the floor.” “That’s the main reason I was so thrilled to play my second year—I was much more at ease and knew what to expect.”
He has made an effort to be optimistic about his protracted recovery despite the injuries. Since he is aware that he won’t be allowed to play again until the following season, Hendricks stated he is not in a rush to expedite the procedure.
Because I’m not trying to push for a specific date to play again, Hendricks stated, “just keeping that in mind makes me really take it day by day and really take it slowly and not try to rush anything.”
When it comes to his recuperation, the Jazz are similarly exercising caution. Hendricks’ comeback by training camp before the 2025–26 season is the aim, according to coach Hardy, but they don’t want to push him too fast and run the danger of more injuries.
“Given the severity of this injury and how much we value Taylor, discussing summer league participation isn’t a priority at the moment,” Hardy said. “The focus is on ensuring a full and proper recovery.”
