Photo: Utah Jazz/X

Utah Jazz second-year forward Taylor Hendricks suffered a devastating and unusual injury when he slipped on a wet spot on the court, resulting in a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle.

The injury occurred during just his third game of the season, prematurely ending what was expected to be a breakout year. Hendricks, who played in 40 games as a rookie – starting 23 – was set for an expanded role this season, having started all three games before the injury struck.

Reflecting on the setback, the player expressed his disappointment, telling Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, “To feel like I’m going back to that where – I have to get ready for the next season again, and I was just getting ready for this season – it was kind of heartbreaking.”

The injury has sidelined Hendricks for the remainder of the season, confirming that he will not participate in the summer league next year as part of his recovery, Larsen reports.

This unfortunate turn of events delays Hendricks’ opportunity to further establish himself in the Jazz’s rotation and contribute to the team’s growth.

For now, the 21-year-old forward will focus on recovery and preparation for a comeback in the following season.