Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — The question wasn't exactly clear: Why do you think you're here?
The query was posed to Utah Jazz rookie forward Taylor Hendricks ahead of his first preseason game in October and was meant to elicit a response about why the talented forward believed the Jazz drafted him.
Hendricks, though, took it in a much different direction.
"God put me in this position for a reason, so I'm gonna do my best and work hard to spread his word," Hendricks said. "When I get my platform, I'm gonna spread his word and tell people about him because he helped me. So he can help you, too."
Hendricks isn't the only Jazz player with those convictions.
Walker Kessler's X profile states: "Follower of Christ"; Collin Sexton hasn't missed a pre-game chapel session in six years in the NBA; and Micah Potter, the son of a pastor, once wrote a blog post detailing how his faith has impacted his life.
Faith has provided those Jazz players perspective during low times — losing streaks, outside criticism, etc. — and helped them stay grounded as they navigate the whirlwind that is the NBA world.
"It's been huge for me just knowing that God has a plan for me and just knowing there's nothing no man can do to hurt me, because he's the one that can change any situation that I'm in," Sexton said. "Today, I just continue to walk by faith and just continue to know that the God that I believe in has never left me or forsaken me."
Sexton has an unceasing energy on the court. He's been known to pick up opposing guards 90 feet from the basket, pump up the crowd, and even flex and scream in celebration — and all within the opening minutes of a game.
So how does Sexton prepare for such an energy-filled night? He listens to calming and meditating sounds and attends the chapel session held about an hour before each game.
"I go to chapel every day. I haven't missed chapel in six years," Sexton said. "I've been making sure I stay to the word because without him I knew I wouldn't be in this place. I know I wouldn't be in this headspace. I know I wouldn't be able to fight and fend through all the ups and downs that go with the NBA."
Kessler can relate. After being named to the All-Rookie First Team and playing for the Team USA squad at the FIBA World Cup this summer, Kessler was all too aware of the increased expectations placed upon him.
Some of those came from outside pundits, who were quick to predict a big sophomore was in the cards. Most, though, came from Kessler himself. After an underwhelming start to his season, he turned to his faith.
"I struggle about not worrying about the future, so I think this experience is really teaching me how to have more faith and trust and everything's gonna be OK," Kessler said. "Because at the end of the day, even through tough times, God has always been faithful. Every time I've been in a difficult time, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. So for me, it's just continuing to keep that in focus."
Hendricks, meanwhile, said without the foundation and ethos his faith provided, he's not sure if he would have even made it to the league.
"I wouldn't even be here," Hendricks said. "My mindset is completely different because I'm a follower of Christ."
