Utah Jazz rookie forward Taylor Hendricks was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after suffering a ligament sprain in his left big toe on March 4.
Hendricks was injured in the second quarter of its 127-115 victory over the Wizards of Washington. The team announced the next day that Hendricks would miss at least a week of action after an MRI revealed the extent of the injury.
“It was around halftime of the Wizards game,” Hendricks said Wednesday. “I had fallen and John (Collins) had stepped on my toes. After that, I felt it. As soon as this happened we went back for an x-ray and everything seemed fine. I was just grateful for that.
The ninth pick has missed the Jazz’s last three games and appears to be trending towards returning next week. The team continues a four-game homestand Friday against Atlanta and will then welcome Minnesota Saturday and Monday.
Hendricks has remained active in the weight room while out over the past week and uses stationary bikes and other equipment to track his fitness. The team will likely continue to intensify practices before clearing him to play.
Jazz injury updates:
Taylor Hendricks (left 1st MTP sprain) completed a full workout and Lauri Markkanen (right quadriceps contusion) completed a partial workout today.
Jordan Clarkson (right groin strain) did not participate in practice today.
-Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) March 13, 2024
Hendricks spent much of the season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. He returned to the Jazz in early February and was averaging seven points and 6.2 rebounds on 48.3 percent shooting from the field in 10 games before his injury.
He credits his time with the Jazz for helping his game improve.
“Having NBA reps against the best players will always make you better,” Hendricks said. “(The) G League is a great avenue as well, but I feel like the NBA is just a different level.”
Jazz coach Will Hardy said last month that Hendricks would likely remain in the rotation for the entire season after the team made several moves before the trade deadline.
He believes Hendricks will adapt better to the team.
“I think I’ve seen Taylor improve physically over the course of this year, which has been a priority for him,” Hardy said recently. “I think his approach has really evolved. He never lacked desire for it. I think it’s just a matter of understanding how to go about it on a daily basis. That was a big positive sign for me as a coach: he’s learning every day to go about his business.
