Among the biggest disappointments that happened to the Utah Jazz this season (in a season where minimal expectations should have eviscerated that very feeling), Taylor Hendricks suffering his season-ending leg injury only a few games into his second season arguably topped them all.
Hendricks' development was a point of emphasis for the Jazz this season. As the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many were looking forward to seeing how the second-year Jazzman would do. Especially since he was made a starter.
To see all that undone in one of the most unbelievable and gruesome injuries was hard to see. While Hendricks' development probably wasn't going to impact the Jazz's direction overall, seeing unlucky circumstances get in the way was sad for Hendricks and the Jazz.
With the season winding down, more videos have come out showing Hendricks taking the court and getting some shots up during practice.
Taylor Hendricks getting some shots up
— Collier2Kessler (@Collier2Kessler) April 4, 2025
Per: Brice Sensabaugh pic.twitter.com/2zOUBkZ903
While everyone knows Hendricks' return was inevitable, it was heartwarming to see that he was practicing after such a tragic fate this season. Well, it only gets better. During the Jazz's game against the Pacers, Hendricks gave an update on where he is with his recovery on the Jazz's broadcast.
Taylor Hendricks on Jazz broadcast: "By May, I'll be 100%, but the way I'm feeling, I think I'll be ready way before then. We're just following the schedule right now."
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) April 4, 2025
It sounds like Hendricks hasn't had any setbacks during his treatment, and he should be more than ready to return for Year 3. Sure, his return does put the future of the Jazz's frontcourt into question, but the headline here is Hendricks will be back, and here's to hoping good things are to come from him when he does.
When should Hendricks "come back?"
Before commenters respond with "on opening night," this question is: Would Hendricks be better off waiting until preseason or opening night to return, or should he play for their Summer League team again?
Hendricks doesn't necessarily have to play since he'll be considered a third-year player, but after a lost season, no one would blame him if he wants to show as soon as possible that he's ready to play against some NBA competition. The Summer League doesn't showcase the best of the best, but it is a good opportunity for Hendricks to show that his leg injury won't be a problem long-term.
But if Hendricks believes he's better off waiting until he goes up against players who will be in the NBA next season, that's perfectly fine too. There's no wrong choice for him.
Earlier, it was brought up that the Jazz's bad season didn't breed much disappointment because expectations were low anyway. Well, on the flip side, in a season that wasn't all too much fun to watch, knowing Taylor Hendricks' career will be back on back on track might just be their most heartwarming story with the 2024-25 season coming to a close.