Taylor Hendricks was one of the young pieces that went to the Grizzlies in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. Previously selected 9th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, it hasn't been an easy road for Hendricks. Since being traded to Memphis, it now appears that he is starting to reach his potential and should factor in the Grizzlies' plans.
Hendricks averaged 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 40 games as a rookie. Unfortunately, Hendricks suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle against the Dallas Mavericks on October 24, 2024. As a result, he only got to play in three games during his second season.
It is understandable that Taylor Hendricks has needed time to gain a rhythm, given how severe his injury was. Even though Hendricks did not feature much in the rotation before being traded to Memphis, he has capitalized on all his opportunities with the Grizzlies so far.
Hendricks could have a future in Memphis past this season
Taylor Hendricks was averaging 4.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 14.9 minutes per game with the Jazz this season before the trade. Given that he was a lottery pick and the Jazz are currently tanking, it was puzzling to see his development not being prioritized.
Eventually, the Grizzlies received Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, and three first-round picks as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. Walter Clayton Jr. was also taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, and many expected him to be a legitimate factor in the rotation past this season. So far, he has struggled, and the Grizzlies have to address the logjam at point guard this summer.
There is plenty of basketball left, but it looks like Hendricks is more likely to be in the Grizzlies' plans past this season.
Hendricks is playing his best basketball in Memphis
Given that the Grizzlies want to improve their draft position and also develop their young talent, it was clear that Hendricks would get more opportunities in Memphis than with Utah earlier this season. Despite looking uncomfortable in his Grizzlies debut against the Trail Blazers on February 6, Hendricks looks more comfortable and is putting up the best numbers of his young career so far.
So far, Hendricks is averaging 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 24 minutes per game. He is also adding 1.7 steals and blocks (stocks) per game on the defensive end. At 6-foot-9, Hendricks brings energy on both sides of the ball and is a capable outside shooter, shooting 39.2% from three so far in Memphis.
Hendricks has bounced back really well from a serious injury suffered last season and is thriving with the opportunities the Grizzlies have given him so far. The Grizzlies have a very intriguing rotation of forwards, and it looks like the Grizzlies could have a viable rotation piece in Taylor Hendricks.