Against the defending champions, Taylor Hendricks balled.
Although former UCF Knights legend Taylor Hendricks was drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz at the 2023 NBA Draft, his October 2024 injury will be the first thing that most will remember him by. Hendricks suffered a scary leg injury in Utah’s third game of last season. After his injury, Hendricks was done for the season.
After recovering from a scary injury, it can be hard to return to form for any player. Hendricks showed promise while playing 40 games in the 2023-24 season when he averaged 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and also played steady defense on a bad Jazz team.
Once again, the Jazz are at the bottom of the Western Conference this season. Hendricks has slowly gotten back into rhythm while the Jazz struggle with a current 8-15 record. In Utah’s most recent game, Hendricks had the biggest game of his NBA career.
In Utah’s 131-101 loss to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder this past Sunday, Hendricks was brilliant. In 25 minutes, Hendricks recorded a career-high 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field overall. Hendricks connected on four 3-pointers and added 5 rebounds as well. Hendricks’ previous career-high in points was 18, which he reached on March 31, 2024.
This season, Hendricks has gotten little playing time. Before the Thunder game, Hendricks had only played at least 20 minutes just one time all season. Against the Thunder, Hendricks made the most of his opportunity in a blowout loss.
For the Jazz this season, Hendricks needs to be healthy to show improvement. Hendricks needs to get back to his old self and show the potential he can produce. After a career-high game in points, it’s a step in the right direction for Hendricks with the Jazz.
Hendricks is currently averaging 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 13 games this season, while averaging under 15 minutes per game.
Category: General Sports
