The Utah Jazz’s season was supposed to be centered on developing their young building blocks, including forward Taylor Hendricks. However, the team’s plans were derailed on Monday night when Hendricks suffered a gruesome injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the season. During the game against the Mavericks, Hendricks stumbled and fell awkwardly, breaking his right fibula and dislocating his ankle. The Jazz lost the game 110-102, and now face a rebuilding season without their defensive centerpiece.
Hendricks was a key player for the Jazz, having spent about half of his rookie campaign in the G League before breaking into the rotation later in the season. In the first three games of this season, he was in the starting lineup and tasked with guarding the other team’s most potent threat. His absence will leave a significant void that the Jazz will need to try and fill. Rookie Cody Williams stepped into the starting lineup against Sacramento, but it remains to be seen who will take on Hendricks’ defensive role for the rest of the season.
The Jazz staff is still determining an optimal surgery date for Hendricks, and similar injuries have taken a year or more for full recovery. Despite the setback, Hendricks is reportedly in good spirits and taking the rehabilitation process with maturity. Meanwhile, the Jazz will need to regroup and find their way without their defensive star. The team has suffered four straight losses since Hendricks’ injury, and star player Lauri Markkanen left the game against Sacramento with back spasms. While the season may continue, the Jazz will need to come together and find a way to move forward without one of their key players.
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