Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks sustained a severe leg injury during Monday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, leaving fans and teammates shaken. The unfortunate incident occurred in the third quarter when Hendricks slipped and awkwardly landed, causing his leg to bend unnaturally. TV cameras captured the accident as he collapsed to the court, grimacing in pain as play immediately halted.
Team trainers rushed to Hendricks’ side, and after several tense moments, he was stretchered off the court and taken to the locker room for evaluation. Later, the Utah Jazz announced that the 20-year-old suffered a fractured right fibula and a displaced ankle, injuries that will keep him out for the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Jazz head coach Will Hardy expressed his sadness following the team’s eventual 110-102 loss, describing Hendricks’ injury as “hard to stomach.” He shared that Hendricks had shown great dedication and resilience as he began his NBA journey. “He’s a great kid, and it’s tough to see this happen. We’re all here to support him on his recovery journey,” Hardy added.
Selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Hendricks had started all three games this season, displaying promise and determination.