Jazz's Taylor Hendricks embraces NBA learning curve as he graduates to full-time play

SALT LAKE CITY — Taylor Hendricks isn't naive.

When he watches film of himself, he sees the mistakes. The times when he's not spaced correctly in the corner, or when he's not in the correct spot on defense. They come fast and furious.

This much is clear, there's a lot of work to be done. The Jazz, though, are willing to let him work through it all. The time has come for the No. 9 pick in last year's draft to graduate to the NBA full time.

Utah will use the final games of the season to focus on development. That's why Keyonte George was back in the starting lineup Monday in the loss to the Golden State Warriors, and that's why Hendricks is now in the rotation.

"There's a lot that Taylor has to improve on," Jazz coach Will Hardy said. "There's a lot that he's working on right now. In terms of what to expect, I don't think that any of those things should take away from your ability to compete as hard as you can on every play, to try to dig out 50-50 balls, to communicate and execute the coverage that we're doing.

"Like, if you're supposed to switch, we need to switch; if we're trying to maintain our matchup, we need to maintain our matchup. So I think some of those basic things you can still be accountable for."

Hendricks will look lost at times — and he did plenty against the Warriors. He messed up switches, was in the wrong position numerous times, and didn't have a rebound in the second half.

Even with the struggles, he said his development will accelerate now that he's getting consistent minutes with the Jazz.

"Being in the NBA is always going to be a lot better for my development. … Just getting these reps on an NBA floor has definitely helped," Hendricks said.

And there have been flashes of what he could become, too — like Thursday, when he defended one Kevin Durant drive to perfection, blocking him at the rim.

"Family was pretty happy for me and proud of me, because we used to watch Kevin Durant on TV all the time," Hendricks said, recalling the moment. "I was a Heat fan, so watching them battle with the Thunder, just watching KD and then being able to block him. In the moment, I'm just trying to make the next play, but, you know, after it's like, 'Wow!'"

Hendricks said Durant — who got him back with a killer crossover later in the game — complimented his defense after the game and how he got into the future Hall-of-Famer.

The Jazz are hoping those flashes become more and more consistent as the season continues. His athleticism is off the charts and his shot, even now, is passable. But, for now, it's about proving he can help a team win.

"When you step on the floor, it's about not really even necessarily earning my respect, it's about earning the respect of your teammates that they think you can help them win," Hardy said. "And I think that Taylor's incredibly professional for a rookie. He comes every day, he's very diligent about his work, and he knows that he has a lot to do."

And the Jazz are giving him the runway to do it.

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