Jazz's Taylor Hendricks Suffers Horrific Leg Injury Against Mavericks
Hendricks Carted Off Court After Grisly Collision
Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks endured a grotesque lower leg injury during Monday night’s preseason contest against the Dallas Mavericks in Salt Lake City. The Jazz announced that Hendricks, 25, suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his left tibia and fibula after a collision with Mavericks guard Dorian Finney-Smith late in the third quarter.
Hendricks was driving to the basket when Finney-Smith slid under him, causing Hendricks' leg to bend at an unnatural angle. The Jazz forward immediately collapsed to the court in agony, clutching his leg. Medical personnel rushed to the scene and immobilized Hendricks' leg before carting him off the court on a stretcher.
Teammates and Coaches Devastated
The injury cast a pall over what was an otherwise spirited preseason matchup between two Western Conference rivals. Jazz head coach Will Hardy called the injury "super unfortunate" and said Hendricks is "a great kid who works really hard."
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell expressed his support for his teammate, tweeting, "Stay strong, Taylor. We're all here for you." Finney-Smith also took to Twitter to send his well wishes, writing, "Thoughts and prayers to Taylor Hendricks and his family. Hate to see injuries like that."
Hendricks Faces Lengthy Recovery
Hendricks is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the fractured bones and dislocated ligaments. The Jazz have not provided a timetable for his return, but it is likely he will miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.
Similar Injuries in Recent Years
Hendricks' injury is reminiscent of several other gruesome leg injuries that have occurred in the NBA in recent years. In 2018, Gordon Hayward suffered a compound fracture of his left tibia and fibula during the Celtics' opening night game against the Cavaliers.
In 2013, Paul George broke both bones in his right leg after colliding with the Pacers' basket stanchion during a Team USA scrimmage. Both Hayward and George made full recoveries and returned to play at a high level.
