Jazz Rookie Taylor Hendricks Sounds Off on ‘Utah Support System’

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Despite the Utah Jazz rookie not being able to participate in this year's Summer League, first-round pick Taylor Hendricks should be able to hit the ground running when training camp starts in two months.

Ex-Jazzman Thurl Bailey shared his thoughts on if missing Summer League hinders a player’s development on ESPN 700 The Bill Riley Show.

“I don’t think it’s a hindrance,” Bailey said. “I think it’s the world we live in, right? With basketball right now, especially at this level — for whatever reason, whether it’s injury or a player that the Jazz are trying to be careful — there’s plenty of time. I think these guys know the game. All it really is now is about learning the language of coach Will Hardy and what he wants them to be able to implement.”

Armed with an NBA-ready jump shot with a seven-foot wingspan, expectations are still high for the No. 9 overall pick out of South Florida. However, a path to consistent playing time won’t be easy out of the gates.

With the Jazz acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks and Kelly Olynyk firmly cemented in this year's rotation, it’s unclear when Hendricks will see the court. However, it should happen at some point, with Olynyk’s future in Salt Lake City murky at best.

Olynyk’s days could be numbered due to being in the last year of his contract, along with the roadblock he creates in regard to Hendricks’ development. When a trade opportunity knocks, Jazz fans can expect Olynyk to be a part of the equation. But until then, the second-year Jazzman gives Utah the best chance to win, providing quality depth behind Collins.

Even though the start of Hendricks' time in Utah isn’t ideal, he still has a firm grip on what has kept him motivated through the process.

“Just even watching Keyonte get out there and ball in front of the fans, and cheering for him and be like it also motivates me to try to work harder off the court to get back on the court,” Hendricks said. “Just having a support system in Utah—you know, just motivates you to get back on the court.”

Assuming all goes well, Jazz fans should get their first peak at Hendricks on the court when preseason starts in early October.

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