Following a bizarre incident in the third quarter, Taylor Hendricks, a sophomore with the Utah Jazz, left the team’s 110-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
The forward looked to take a false step while running a rapid break, then collapsed on his right leg without getting up.
The footage plainly showed Hendricks’ lower right leg twisted horribly laterally as he struggled to stand. When the players on the court saw the break, they all turned away at once.
After receiving medical attention, Hendricks was carried off the court on a stretcher, and play resumed.
Later, the Jazz revealed that Hendricks had a dislocated ankle and a fractured right fibula. The team also stated that they would provide him with status updates “when appropriate” following the game.
After the game, Jazz coach Will Hardy remarked, “It’s hard to stomach.” He has worked quite hard. He’s a wonderful child. Therefore, our main goal is to keep him happy as he starts the healing process and to concentrate on his health.
“But these are the bad times in sports,” he continued. “We will assist him in regaining his opportunity.”
Hardy is hopeful that the injury won’t stop Hendricks’ improvement, even though it would surely keep him out of action for a long time.
Hardy stated, “The injury is going to put a pause button on his development for the moment.” Nothing he has done up to this point is negated by it. As a player, he has grown. He is a mature young man. For him, this is far from done.
After the final whistle, Hardy also shared how he and the other Jazz organisation members who travelled to Dallas for the game went and wished the young youngster well.
I had a fleeting glimpse of him. I hugged him and assured him that everything would be fine. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk to him after the game, but we’ll do everything we can for him and his family.
To see him, every member of our team and the organisation that was travelling with us passed through that room. However, I would guess that at this moment, he is most likely only somewhat stunned by everything.
In 2023, in the midst of their rebuilding process, Utah selected Hendricks with the ninth overall pick. The 6-foot-9 guard was tasked with protecting Luka Doncic prior to his tragic fall because of his defensive skills.
The UCF product earned a starting position this season by averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a rookie. As they prepare to play the Sacramento Kings on October 29, the Jazz are 0–3.
