Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks appeared to be well on his way to emerging as a 3-and-D wing who could help anchor the team’s two-way efforts for years to come. Unfortunately, injuries have caused him to miss considerable time, including a gruesome injury that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, Hendricks avoided ligament damage with a diagnosis of a fractured right fibula and a dislocated ankle, and is gearing up for a tremendous comeback in 2025-26.<\/p>\n
Utah selected Hendricks at No. 9 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. He worked his way up big boards by starring for the UCF Knights and looking the part of a modern forward with the ability to score, rebound, defend, and space the floor at NBA-caliber levels.<\/p>\n
That all but instantly translated to the NBA, with Hendricks turning in a remarkably intriguing rookie campaign during the 2023-24 season.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, a full season away from the court has inevitably caused Hendricks to be overshadowed in casual conversations. Ace Bailey, Kyle Filipowski, Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, and Brice Sensabaugh have created a logjam in the frontcourt<\/a>, and Hendricks’ brilliance has thus been overshadowed.<\/p>\n With offensive talent in abundance at forward, however, it’s Hendricks’ defense that should enable him to secure a consistent role in Will Hardy’s rotation.<\/p>\n Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks won’t need long to turn heads in 2025-26<\/p>\n Hendricks finished his rookie season with averages of 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 offensive boards, 0.8 blocks, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 three-point field goals made in 21.4 minutes per game. Those numbers reflect the well-rounded nature of his skill set and all-around contributions.<\/p>\n It’s even easier to appreciate his numbers when translated to 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 offensive boards, 1.3 blocks, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.<\/p>\n Hendricks didn’t just stuff the stat sheet as a rookie and hope critics would overlook his struggles. He shot efficiently, posting a slash line of .450\/.379\/.793 and shooting 55.0 percent on two-point field goals attempts. He also committed just 1.1 turnovers per game.<\/p>\n That efficient display of two-way value offered instant reason to believe Hendricks can not only thrive in Utah, but potentially start alongside the other core members.<\/p>\n It’s unclear what a potential lineup would look like that enables Hendricks to play meaningful minutes in 2025-26. The adaptability of his game should resolve that issue, however, particularly in the value he provides as an off-ball player.<\/p>\n Hendricks shot 38.9 percent on catch-and-shoot threes as a rookie and should be able to rediscover that form in 2025-26 <\/p>\n