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It appears the Utah Jazz have switched gears, and developing the rookies has become the No. 1 priority. On Thursday night, rookie forward Taylor Hendricks received his first career start for the Utah Jazz, a 115-107 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets.
Jazz beat reporter Tony Jones from The Athletic first reported that there was a shake-up coming to the starting lineup for the Jazz, and surprisingly, it was Hendricks replacing second-year Jazzman Walker Kessler. Jazz coach Will Hardy was asked about what went into the decision to move Hendricks into the starting lineup.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for Taylor [Hendricks] to take on the responsibilities on the defensive end. I think there’s nothing like being thrown into the fire and guarding some of the top players.” Hardy said. “I also think having him play with guys like Lauri [Markkanen] and Keyonte [George] gives him an opportunity to play off the ball and to play off some of our better players, which hopefully will help him settle in a little bit on the offensive end.”
Hearing the Jazz are making a change to the starting lineup tonight. Also hearing a notable player is entering the rotation tonight as well….stay tuned for Utah and Charlotte
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 23, 2024
Hendricks scored 12 points to go along with nine rebounds in 26 minutes of play. All of his points came in the third quarter in various ways. Four of his nine rebounds were on the offensive end, and most resulted in tip-ins or put-backs for two points.
Hendricks made all four two-point shots and was also 1-for-5 from long distance. The 2023 lottery pick spent most of his time on the defensive end guarding fellow standout rookie forward Brandon Miller. Hendricks turned heads with a highlight-worthy block on a dunk attempt by Hornets forward Miles Bridges that somehow still made its way into the basket. Hendricks finished the game with a net rating of +10 in his 26 minutes of play.
Despite his scoring outburst in the third quarter, Hendricks didn't close the game, but that doesn't take away from the best outa of his young career. After the game, Hardy was asked about Hendricks's performance in his first career start.
“I thought Taylor in his first start was about what I would have expected,” Hardy said. “I think he had some good moments of energy. I thought in the second half, he really kind of got himself into the game by getting on the offensive glass. Got a couple of tip-ins and got a couple of loose balls.”
Hendricks was the ninth overall selection by the Jazz in the 2023 NBA Draft and flashed his high upside and potential on both sides of the ball on Thursday. There's still a long way to go if he will be a permanent fixture in Utah's starting five, but at least for now, Hardy has noted.
“There is a lot for him [Hendricks] to build on going into Sunday’s game,” Hardy said.
Jazz fan's next opportunity to get a glimpse of Hendricks will be against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in Salt Lake City.
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